We purchased the Wii Grand Slam Sports Pack despite some reviewers saying you had to remove the remote to access various functions or change games, etc.
We quickly discovered that you do not need to use the infra red control with the bat, tennis racket etc. All you have to do is use the "buttons" (left, right, up, down, A, B, etc.) on the remote after it is put into the bat, racket, wheel, golf club and you can change games, players, start new game, etc. Very very cool. The Sports pack has added a whole new dimension to our gameplay. We have so much more fun now batting the ball, playing "intense" tennis matches, golfing, racing... the accessories make you feel more like you are playing the real game. Although I must agree with one reviewer who mentioned they wish the golf club was a bit longer. Considering the length of the bat and tennis racket, I don't know why they made the golf club so short, but still makes golf more fun than just using the remote (has not helped my "wicked-slice" however.... <sigh>).
You do have to remove the remote from the accessory handle when you want to return to main menu to end for the day, but all you really have to do is "tilt" the remote up at the end and that is it!
Again, We (the entire family and extended family are having the time of our lives with the Wii Grand Slam Sports Pack! I highly recommend this to anyone who has a Wii. You won't be sorry. Just play around with the buttons on the remote to control the various game options (start, stop, players, number of players, levels, etc.) and you will have a great time!