By Sidecar racing is firmly embedded in East Yorkshireman Daryl Gibson’s family.
Father Gary who is getting back in the saddle for TT 2024 three-wheeling expeditions, first began racing in 1983.
In 2015, Daryl opened his own racing account and by 2017 was a TT exponent alongside his dad.
For the next four TT’s he collected a string of promising results including fourth place finishes times two, alongside Sidecar wins record-holder Dave Molyneux.
TT 2023 saw him join the driver ranks on the fabled, mythical Mountain Course.
2018 British FSRA F2 Cup Champion, he immediately showed accomplished form, finishing top newcomer driver, acquiring a top six finish, best lap speed nearing the 112-mph lap-mark.
Eagerly awaiting TT 2024, Road Racing News recently caught up with the 12-plate holder for this year’s Sidecar TT race-stints, to chat all things three-wheeling.
Our uncontrived chat, reads as follows:
Road Racing News:
You made your Sidecar TT driver debut last year, in comparison to the passenger role, what do you feel were the biggest differences?
D.Gibson:
“It’s a different sport completely, from the passenger side of things, it’s more of the physical aspect, you don’t need to learn every bump, every corner, you need to learn just enough to know what’s coming up, almost blind.
Were as a driver, lot more of a mental game, still physically hard but you need to know every bump, every corner, get your gear count right, make sure you do a good job of it, different sport completely.”
Road Racing News:
Is there one part of the Mountain Course that you are keen to improve upon this year?
D.Gibson:
“From Gooseneck to the run up to Joey’s onto the Mountain Mile, that section there, it’s fast but it is ballsy and to get some of them corners up to flat out, is very difficult! Some of the top lads have done it, doesn’t mean it can’t be done!”
Road Racing News:
What are the main qualities that Tom Christie adds to your TT racing venture?
D.Gibson:
“On the bike brilliant, you know he’s going to be there every corner, consistent, he understands the bike, knows when it needs front end, back end, working it a bit harder and you can’t feel him, which is the main thing as a driver, you can’t feel his movements.
On top of that, his skillset off the bike, builds our engines, brilliant maintenance on the Sidecar, great team player.”
Road Racing News:
Thoughts on the new Sidecar TT tyre supplier, Hoosier?
D.Gibson
“Haven’t tried them yet, it will require a few chassis set-up changes but at the end of the day everyone will be in the same boat, so looking forward to it.”
Road Racing News:
Outside of the TT, any potential additional roads scene outings?
D.Gibson:
“At the moment just TT, holiday dependent but I’d love to do the Southern 100.”
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
