After some really positive replies to my introduction/user gallery posts (and lot's of help!) I thought I'd put a little about Grasstrack and what I do in here for those of you who may be interested or just want to see me eat dirt (video further down...)
The best way I can describe 1000cc sidecar racing on grass is to show you a clip of one of the races at the 2010 Masters held at Rhodes Minnis. This is the biggest race of our calendar and only the top riders in the UK gain entry after qualifying throughout the year.
I joined Team 306 and driver Mark Warren earlier this year after taking the step up from the 500cc sidecars and the Masters was probably only my fourth race on grass on a thousand ever and 2010 was also Marks first ever Masters. Baptism of fire doesn't quite cover it but we came home in one piece (racing was cut short due to a very serious accident in the solo's) and finished 11th overall. Our outfit isn't in this heat but I hope you can appreciate the racing....
[BBvideo 425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbhLZ-fajvQ[/BBvideo]
The bike we use is a Steer Frame running a stock R1 engine, some other teams use GSXR, the faithful old Exup (anyone with spares...sell them to a grasstracker!) and a one uses a Kwak. Although the engines can be tuned, the challenge is getting the power onto the track. In our case, my driver is 18 stone (plus the engine on the front) and I weigh 9 1/2 stone so we have deadened the engine to make it rev less as I struggle to get enough weight on the back wheel to keep it driving hard. We can also lengthen the bike to change the handling...and to fit my driver, who is huge!....and alter the gearing on the rear sprocket, the angle of the chair wheel and a few other bits and bobs depending on the track conditions and length.
All this will go to waste though if I don't do my bit....In the corners the passenger hangs off the bike to allow it to turn, using their body weight to give drive and control the back end of the bike. On the straights the passenger can keep the bike going straight by moving back and up into the 'chair' (sat on the back wheel, weight in the sidecar) and give drive by moving back. The starts are the hairiest parts, these bikes will tip with the slightest rut and a passengers position can make as much difference as the drivers speed on the clutch.
Currently I am the only full time female 1000cc grasstrack passenger, I am neither big nor very strong but I think maybe riding a road bike has given me a lack of fear where racing is concerned, it would be great to see another girl on the side or even on the throttle!!
Anyway, I will be adding details of races and events as the season approaches and we are always happy to welcome anyone along, also the pits are open to spectators so if you do come....look for the pirate flag and the 306 bike and say hello.
Here are a few photo's of our 2010 and my first 1000cc season....
Taken at the Masters, grasstrack circuits don't usually have hills but this is what makes Rhodes Minnis so challenging.
This is what is known as 'Getting filled in' Mud tastes great.
Trying for the inside line, cut off by Brit No.1 Mark Cossar
At the 2010 International Poacher, a 1000m long track.
What happens when you hit a rut off the start line! Both passenger and driver launch themselves into the chair to keep the bike tipping.
Our first podium...3rd at High Easter Lester Goowdin Trophy, behind No.1 Mark Cossar and Rob Wilson/Terry Saunters in second. Note the big cheesy grins....24 hours later we had a totalled bike and I had 3 months of recovery ahead of me...with the victories come the crashes!
This is the video of our crash the next morning, we pulled the bike out of the van (probably a little hungover) and watched the heavens open. Practice was a washout with the bike running wide and getting no drive, this was our second race and we sat and span on the line for what felt like an age (I could have had a brew). This resulted in us writing off our poor bike and me ripping the ligaments and muscles in my right elbow and wrist....Mark was black and blue but otherwise ok, three months later and we have a new bike being built and I'm on the mend taking it steady on the Hornet. The crash after us resulted in the passenger breaking his back...it was speculated that the turn had been placed too tight on a waterlogged track, but either way that's racing!
I would like to add that being a good passenger requires having your driver land on you, and all good sidecar teams have perfected the art of sychronised spinning through the air. Enjoy....
[BBvideo 425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNSwpuk-Jm0[/BBvideo]
Awesome and hats off to you 
Very impressive 
. Good luck with your next season and if you have any races down our way I'll try and come along to give support 
.