Douglas Racing - Kerr and Jen

Information about Kerr

My name is Kerr Douglas and I am 40years old. I took up sidecar racing in 2002 as a passenger on a Formula 2 outfit. A successful year followed with us winning the Scottish Sidecar Club Championship and the Melville Motorcycle Club Championship. Unfortunately after this initial success the driver had to give up to go and work abroad leaving me without a ride for 2003.

Fortunately another driver asked me to step in as his passenger in July. With several more successful results on this Formula 1 outfit I got my national licence in time to go to the Sunflower meeting at Bishopscourt circuit in Ireland. Against full grids we managed to get up into the prize money.

Returning to Scotland we rounded off the season at Knockhill at the Jock Taylor meeting where we led this prestigious sidecar race for 6 laps against World and European championship contenders, finally being beaten into a creditable 3rd place.

Unfortunately the week after our success at Cadwell Park I was involved in an accident on my road bike that left me paralysed from the waist down. I thought this might be the end to my sidecar racing ventures. However, my first trip out of rehab, just 6 weeks after my accident was to the Jock Taylor sidecar meeting at Knockhill. There I was introduced to Johan Reuterholt, a sidecar driver from Sweden racing in the final round of the European Championship. He too was paralysed from the waist and showed me that I may not be able to compete as a sidecar passenger but there was nothing to stop me taking up driving.

On release from hospital I have returned to work with Scottish Water and focussed on getting back to racing. With help and encouragement from fellow members of the Scottish Sidecar Club I travelled to Ireland to buy a 1997 Windle Formula 1 chassis into which I have put a Suzuki GSXR 1000 K4 engine. This chassis originally competed in World Championship rounds. The sidecar has been modified to change gear with a Kliktronic quick shifter and brake with a lever mounted on the bars. This set up works exceptionally well is much admired by my fellow drivers. I am the first British paraplegic sidecar driver to be granted an ACU licence and hope to inspire others in my position to take up the sport.

Information about Jen

My name is Jenny McCallum and I am 36 years old. I was first introduced to sidecar racing when Kerr took up as a passenger in 2002 and I went along to work as pit crew. When he decided to go back racing after his accident he asked me if I would passenger him. I was a little apprehensive at first as I had only ever had a wee shot now and again. I was used to driving a sportsbike but sold my GSXR 1000 after Kerr had his accident as I couldn't see myself going out to play without him, this was just the thing to replace that buzz. Our first season was hectic but I think learning to drive the lorry was more nerve wracking than being a passenger. There are a few lady passengers in the paddock and I can definately recommend it as an exciting way to participate in motorsport.