Wednesday’s qualifying session was red-flagged at about 20:20 BST after a serious sidecar crash, though organisers have not formally linked the suspension to the incident. The crash involved the Crowe brothers, who were reported to have been travelling at more than 160mph when a crosswind destabilised their sidecar outfit shortly after they landed at Crosby Leap.
Speaking about the accident, Crowe said his sons were fortunate to escape with only relatively minor injuries given the speed at which they were travelling. He described their survival as “a miracle,” saying it was remarkable that they were still alive after such a high-speed incident.
The crash has renewed concern about sidecar racing safety and the adequacy of current technical regulations. Crowe argued that the sport’s aerodynamic rules are outdated and have not kept pace with the demands of modern racing. He said the existing rules are “30, 40 years old” and are “not following with the times,” suggesting that improvements are needed to better protect riders and passengers.
Among the changes he believes should be considered are updated aerodynamic devices, including aerofoils, which could help improve stability and reduce the risk of accidents caused by wind or other high-speed conditions. His comments point to a wider debate over whether sidecar regulations should be modernised to reflect the increased speeds and technical development seen in contemporary racing.
The incident underscores the dangers faced by competitors in sidecar racing, where high speed, course conditions, and environmental factors can quickly combine to create severe risks. A crosswind at racing speed can have significant effects on a sidecar’s handling, especially when the outfit is airborne or landing after a jump or crest, as was reportedly the case here.
The red flag during qualifying halted the session while attention focused on the crash and the condition of those involved. Although organisers have not officially said the suspension was caused by the accident, the timing strongly linked the two events in the eyes of many observers.
Crowe’s remarks are likely to add pressure on race officials and governing bodies to review safety standards, particularly in relation to sidecar aerodynamics. His call for regulatory change reflects a belief that the sport must evolve to address modern performance levels and the hazards that come with them.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured riders and the circumstances surrounding the crash. The incident has also sparked broader questions about whether current sidecar safety measures are sufficient for today’s racing environment, or whether a new approach is needed to reduce the chance of similar accidents in the future.
