2 riders on a sidecar, 3 inches off the tarmac, traveling at speeds in excess of 160 mph, with no ability to communicate with each other, both of them reading the track, and the passenger anticipating what the driver will do so they can position their body on the bike to help the team achieve the best results for speed…
There is no other feeling like it!
Cumbrian Brothers, Team Laidlow 84
2024 British Sidecar Champions
The Youngest Sidecar Team to Ever Win
The British Sidecar Championship
The brothers began their sidecar racing career as a team in 2022 when Marin (sponsor) gifted them their first F2 600 Sidecar. They are mentored by their father, Andy Laidlow, who is one of the fifty quickest drivers in sidecar TT history at 110.08 mph. Team Laidlow 84 is also mentored by Steve Webster, MBE 10 times World Champion, as well as, many other sidecar legends.
Being brothers means that they have an excellent understanding of each other. Although, they have only been professionally racing together since 2022, they have spent many hours riding their home built off-road sidecar on the rugged fields of their farm in Cumbria building up a vital trust with each other. When out on the track, there is no communication between driver and passenger, so having the confidence of knowing what the other person is doing is very important for them to be able to achieve their goal of winning.
Meet Sam Laidlow
The Driver
Sam has been racing motorbikes since the age of 11. He hit the racing scene in 2018, quickly developing his race craft in the Scottish solo championship.
At 16 he began passengering for his brother Jack before reaching the age they could switch roles.
Sam’s first race was at Cadwell Park in August 2022. Within 2 years, TLR84 became the 2024 British Sidecar Champions with Sam on the handlebars and Jack on the chair. This victory made Sam the youngest driver to ever claim this title.
Favourite Track:
Brands Hatch
Career Highlight:
2024 British Championship win
Hobbies :
Trials biking and running
Meet Jack Laidlow
The Passenger
Jack began his sidecar racing career at the age of 16 as a passenger for prolific sidecar builder and sidecar driver Tony Baker; who raced the IOM TT 24 times and raced the Worlds twice.
Jack developed his passengering skills in the British F2 Championship whilst passengering for Baker.
In 2022 Jack drove TLR84’s sidecar with Sam as the passenger until Sam came of age to take the handle bars. Jack’s job as a passenger is to move in accordance with the bike by placing his body in the optimal position for corners ensuring the sidecar has enough traction to achieve the fastest speed possible.
Favourite Track:
Knockhill
Career Highlight:
2024 British Championship win
Hobbies:
Music and radio presenting
