The 2024 FIM Sidecarcross World Championship kicks off in sunny Torres Novas, Portugal this weekend 20th & 21st April at the spectacular track we first visited last year.
Words by Barry Nutley – Images courtesy of Stijn Vanoverbeke
On that occasion, we saw a stunning double victory by the eventual and now defending champion Marvin Vanluchene. He returns with Glenn Janssens for the new season after the much-documented retirement of Nicolas Musset.
Vanluchene is aiming for his third title, with Janssens yet to claim a gold medal.
The entry list is bristling with serious talent all determined to stake their own claim to world honours. Top of that list is world number three Koen Hermans with Ben Van Den Bogaart on his right shoulder once more. The veteran four-times champion passenger knows it will not be an easy task, having lifted the title with Vanluchene in 2018.
There is no Etienne Bax this year, as the brilliantly talented Dutchman has called it a day after a lifetime of racing, and five titles to show for his efforts.
Next up in the running is the British pair of Brett Wilkinson and Joe Millard.
The gritty Wilkinson is from a family of sidecar moto-crossers, having had his best season ever in 2023. They were very strong in Portugal last year, on a track which suits Wilkinson’s fearless style and flair. A good start to their new campaign is essential, with no time to be lost in this ten-round season.
Looking down the standings from 2023, certain names jump out as having shone, such as Justin Keuben/Dion Rietman, the Lielbardis twins from Latvia, the UK’s Dan Foden and Ryan Humphrey, French champions Killian and Evan Prunier, and Tim Prummer from Germany. He will have Rodolphe Lebreton in the chair, so no worries for Prummer in that department.
Add to these established names some bright new teams all eager to impress and start their own climb up this formidable ladder, and we are set for another stellar season.
Live TV Stream is planned for the entire year across all qualifying and GP races, taking this spectacular sport to the homes of fans worldwide.
For TV Live Stream go to https://page.inplayer.com/fimsidecarcross/
The planning is done, just a few final tweaks by teams and organisers, and we are all good to go. The travel is booked, the circuit is ready, and the tension is building with every passing day. All of us here at WSC wish you an enjoyable season of top-class viewing, as you follow the fortunes of these intrepid teams.
