Believe it or not, these are the proper technical terms for the person who rides in the sidecar in motorcycle racing.

“Mad” might be another one.

Seriously, vintage bike racing is much safer than riding on the road, and a lot more fun. “At least everyone on the track is going in the same direction,” said Goondiwindi’s Dave Vincent.

And you won’t need a Casey Stoner-sized budget, either.

“It’s the cheapest form of motor racing,” said Lex Dreier.

“I think it cost Dave about $1000 to get started.”

The Queensland Early Motorcycle Sports Club holds six meetings a year. The next is on at Carnell Raceway at Stanthorpe July 26 to 27.

“Vintage” motorbikes are anything pre-1980.

“There are some beautiful bikes out there, from an era when motorbike racing was for the elite, but you don’t need an expensive bike,” Dave said.

“It’s not about the racing at all; it’s about the social side.

“You get to meet some great people with a shared interest and you get to see some fantastic bikes.

“Tony Jacobs got me started, and my wife Sue started coming along, and now she’s my “swinger”,” said Lex.

A licence to race is only $20, and the only prerequisite is an ordinary motor cycle licence.

“We’d love to see a big crowd,” said Dave.

And your “swinger” doesn’t have to be a woman.