Swinger

A swinger is a passenger in sidecar motorcycle racing who actively shifts their body weight during races to help control the vehicle, or alternatively, a participant in illegal street racing sideshows who performs spinning maneuvers with their car.

In sidecar racing, the swinger plays a crucial role as the athletic passenger who works alongside the motorcycle driver. While the driver controls the throttle and steering, the swinger acts as a human counterweight, throwing their body from side to side as the sidecar navigates corners at high speeds. This constant movement isn't just for show—it's essential for keeping the sidecar balanced and maintaining grip on the track.

The job of a sidecar swinger requires exceptional physical fitness and bravery. During tight corners, the swinger often hangs completely off the side of the vehicle, with only their grip keeping them attached. Their weight distribution can mean the difference between a fast corner and a dangerous rollover. The swinger and driver must work in perfect coordination, almost like a dance team, to achieve the best lap times.

Being a swinger in sidecar racing comes with significant risks. If the timing is wrong or the weight shift happens too late, the entire sidecar outfit can flip or lose control. This makes the role one of the most physically demanding and dangerous positions in all of motorsport, requiring complete trust between both team members.

In a completely different context, the term swinger also appears in illegal street racing culture, particularly in sideshows or street takeovers. Here, swingers are drivers who perform circular spinning maneuvers, commonly called donuts, where the car whips around in tight circles while spectators watch from dangerously close distances.

These street racing swingers get their name from how their vehicles swing around in circular patterns, often leaving tire marks on public roads. While participants enjoy the thrill and spectacle, these activities are illegal in most areas and pose serious safety risks to both participants and bystanders. Law enforcement and community members often work to shut down these events due to the danger they create.

The term swinger also appears in horse racing betting, where it refers to a specific type of wager on two horses finishing in the top three positions in any order. However, this usage is less common in general motorsport discussions and relates more to the gambling aspect of racing rather than the actual competition itself.