Seventy years of Sidecar Motocross From Barry Nutley
1950
1950’s
Single cylinder Motocross bikes with home-built sidecar and passenger sitting. Mainly club racing with a small number of International events.
1960
1960’s
Twin cylinder larger engines, European scene growing, specialist chassis builders and many International events in France, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
1970
1970’s
Formal International European Championship launched. Engines now large four-stroke twins. Wasp Chassis dominates, sport growing in popularity.
1980
1980’s
FIM World Championship (WSC) formalised. Reinhard Bohler/Siegfried Muller win inaugural championship. Large four-strokes engines becoming replaced by lighter, cheaper two-strokes. European chassis builders evolve to compete with Wasp (e.g EML/VMC/BSU).
1990
1990’s
Eastern European nations now involved and sport is very popular across Europe.
2000
2000’s
Strong National Championships in most European countries. World Championship hotly disputed. Mix of single cylinder two and four-stroke power. Dominant chassis makers VMC and WSP. Many young stars are borne.
2010
2010’s
Zabel two-stroke now engine of choice, VMC and WSP share chassis spoils as Daniel Willemsen makes history with ten titles. Television coverage brings unprecedented exposure. Young teams flex their muscles.
2020
2020’s
APO Multimedia sign promoter deal as global pandemic brings the curtain down. Exciting new schedule announced, and more young names join the fray.
From Barry Nutley
