Dave Molyneux Isle of Man TT Sidecar Racer, Exclusive Interview
Wemoto was lucky enough to talk to Dave in February about his race history, machines and upcoming race season...
How old were you when you first learned to ride a motorcycle and do you have a family background in motorcycle racing?
I first rode a motorcycle aged about 9 years old. Then my dad started racing when I was around 12 so there was motorcycle racing going on around me for most of my life from an early age.
What are your earliest and best memories of racing in the TT? Out of 17 wins, do you have an all time favourite and if so why?
I don't really have a favourite win or race - each one was different and for me they are all really about acheiving a different goal every time on a new machine. I enjoy a challenge and because I built and changed the bikes for each race, it was about getting a good outcome each time. It was never about chasing the numbers for me, I never had the same bike twice. I am currently on a KTM twin cylinder machine and just want to race it and stay healthy.
Historically I have changed machines a lot - and felt a sense of satisfaction when I won 1st time on a Honda, for example, after people said
'you'll never win on that' - likewise on a Suzuki and a Kawasaki etc - I really enjoy the challenge of riding something different and proving that it can be done on a variety of machines.
What year was your first race and do you still own all the TT sidecars you've ever raced?
My very first race was at Jurby in April 1980 aged 16 - I had borrowed the money to buy a sidecar engine and off I went.
No I haven't kept all my past bikes as, up until the late 90s I always needed to sell them to afford to buy the next one and keep going. The only one I have kept is my 1989 TT winning Yamaha built by Trevor Ireson.
How do you review your last season 2022, did you meet your personal targets?
Yes I feel I met my targets. I pushed for the twin 900cc rule to be introduced for four years to try and prolong the sport and having had that introduced was great. I came fourth in both races and am very happy with that, having exceeded my own expectations and everyone elses, after a lot of negative comments on social media saying that I'd gone mad.
The low TT entry this year shows that it is struggling as riders find it hard to afford to run their machines and race. You could run my current bike on a third of the cost of other bikes and it is not just about speed it's about the cost of running the bike and the availability, the whole package. So although some people may be shocked and disapproving, it is about keeping the TT going in the long run and that's what I hope part of my legacy might be when I eventually give up racing.
How did your bike perform last year, were you happy with it and have you made any modifications for this season?
It was good and I've made a few modifications to it for this year. It has a slight tune on it, a different cam shaft and gear box plus a few chassis modifications. Nothing very expensive, just some tweaks.
How closely do you depend on your sidecar passenger and do you tend to stick to the same person if you can? Have you ever been the passenger?
I'd never be the passenger, it takes a particular kind of person and skill set, I admire them immensely but couldn't do it myself.
I've been racing for 43 years and there is a limit on how long a person can be a passenger because of the athleticism which is required - their racing lifespan is a bit like a footballer's - so I have had a few different people doing it.
I have Dan Sayle back on the sidecar for this season which I am really pleased about. Between us Dan and I have 25 TT wins under our belts so we make a good team!
Do you speak to each other through intercoms these days or is it all unspoken physical communication prompted by responding to the road and the machine's performance?
No we don't have helmet intercoms but communicate with hand signals or a tap on the leg - we have a sign language going between us throughout the race.
How do you feel about the recent cancellation of the Northern Ireland Road Races?
Although it doesn't affect us directly I think it is a tragedy and will have a huge knock on effect on the Isle of man and the TT.
It will certainly affect the TT service industries and will mean that some of these businesses work dries up - it's terrible let's hope that it gets sorted out somehow, but who knows.
What are your goals and expectations for the new season?
Just to do my best and see how it goes. I am glad that I can still support the grid and support the class. There are great twins out there from all the manufacturers so hopefully other people will give them a go too.
Are you looking forward to the TT?
The season starts on the 11th/12th at Brands Hatch and yes, as always, I'm looking forward to it all immensly!
PS
I'd like to thank all my sponsors - I couldn't do it without them and I'm really grateful.
Wemoto - We are really honoured to be able to help you a bit Dave and wish you all the very best for the season ahead.
Are you looking forward to the Isle of Man TT this year, or planning to go even? Have you been in previous years?
Any TT tales or photos, we'd love to hear and see them at:
[email protected] or on
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