THE city’s popular sidecar racing couple of yesteryear, Dennis and Margrett English have been reunited with their adored Yamaha Wasp sidecar, which they loved to take for a spin around the region’s tracks.
THE city’s popular sidecar racing couple of yesteryear, Dennis and Margrett English have been reunited with their adored Yamaha Wasp sidecar, which they loved to take for a spin around the region’s tracks.
The pair purchased the Yamaha 650 Wasp Sidecar in 1976, making it the first Wasp sidecar to be introduced to the South East.
“We contested sidecar racing at almost all of the tracks in the Victorian Western Centre area,” Mr English said.
But the couple sold the sidecar which were subsequently owned by three other people before it found its way back to them.
“We came across the last owner when we were at an event in Birdwood,” Ms English said.
“He found us and mentioned he had our bike.”
The couple went to the Adelaide Hills where they found their sidecar in a shed, before driving it home.
“There is a real history behind the vehicle and we needed to have it back,” Ms English said.
Mr English said before Wasp sidecars were manufactured, people made their own in their sheds.
“The Wasp was the first purpose-built sidecar manufactured in a factory,” he said.
The couple is looking forward to restoring the sidecar to its former glory.
“We will do our best to make it as authentic as possible,” Mr English said.
Once the vehicle is fully restored, the pair plans to take it to various car displays.
“This year is the 50th anniversary of Wasp sidecars, so it is pretty timely to have ours back with us now,” Mr English said.
With around seven sidecars in their shed, it is evident the English family has a passion for the sport.
“I miss the thrill of racing as I love being part of the action,” Mr English said.
The couple said they remembered their sidecar racing days fondly and made many friends along the way.
