SIDECAR RACING: Max and Sam Hutchesson of Mount Jagged are only 16 years of age, but the motor bike lovers have followed in dad's footsteps in a big way by competing in the 2008 Yamaha 24 Hour Reliability Trial at Kapunda on the weekend.

The boys did not just finish the event, but provisionally won the Clubman Class.

Father Grant has competed in the event seven times and managed to finish the event on three occasions, so the effort of the lads was very commendable.

"Dad has been our influence into sidecar racing and it is the only event of its type in the world.

"It was our first one and we finished it and won our class.

"It was unreal, as our main goal was to finish, let alone win.

"It is a huge test of endurance and mental strength," Max said.

With Max riding and Sam the passenger it was a team effort by the boys, and on their arrival home they enjoyed a 13 hour sleep.

The race comprises of four laps of 220 kilometres and starts at Kapunda, heads towards Eudunda, St Kitts, Truro, Belvidere and back to Kapunda.

There was a record 150 entries this year.

The attrition rate is high in the race and even the Hutchesson boys had their fair share of dramas.

"We lost the rear brakes two thirds through the race, we had a sticking throttle and the swing arm bolt broke off, but fortunately it hung on enough for us to finish.

"It was a long way and we had to push our way through to the finish.

"Next year we will compete in the open class for an outright position," Sam said.

The 16-year-olds are proud members of the Mud 'n' Tars Motorcycle Club and are the only members to have ridden the 24 hour event since Grant did 12 years ago.

The annual event has been going for 76 years and the boys were very appreciative of the support from Victor Motorcycles, Neville Lush Racing and all the supporters that travelled to the Barossa barracking them home, which included Grant and mum Mandy.