Swinger

A Swinger in motorsport refers to different roles and components depending on the racing discipline, most commonly the passenger in sidecar racing who shifts their body weight to help steer the vehicle.

In sidecar racing, the swinger is the brave passenger who sits alongside the motorcycle driver. Their main job is to throw their body weight from side to side as they go around corners. When the sidecar turns left, the swinger leans hard to the right, and vice versa. This constant movement helps keep the three-wheeled vehicle balanced and prevents it from tipping over during high-speed turns.

The swinger's role requires incredible athletic ability and perfect timing. They must anticipate each turn and move their body at exactly the right moment. A good swinger can make the difference between winning and losing a race, as their weight shifts directly affect how well the sidecar handles corners and maintains speed.

This term originated in the 1950s when sidecar racing became more competitive and riders realized how important the passenger's movement was for performance. The swinger doesn't just sit there - they're constantly in motion, swinging their body weight to help the driver navigate the track.

In horse racing, a swinger refers to a type of bet where you pick two horses to finish in the top three positions in any order. You win if your two horses come in first and second, first and third, or second and third - giving you three chances to win with one bet.

Some off-road motorsports also use the term swinger to describe a steering component in modified vehicles, particularly those with specialized suspension systems that need extra steering support for rough terrain.