History was made in St. Macaire this past weekend as the first-ever combined meeting of the European Individual Grass Track Championship Semi Final 1 and European Sidecar Championship Qualifying Round (QR) took place in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 2.000 spectators. The event marked a unique milestone for European track racing, merging two disciplines into one thrilling day of motorsport action.
Words and Images by FIM Europe
Grass Track racing showcased the raw power, balance, and bravery of riders as they drifted through turns at breakneck speeds with no brakes.
The Sidecar event, offered a spectacular display of teamwork and control.
Both formats delivered non-stop excitement with their deep roots in European motorsport culture.
In conjunction with the World Environment Day and the FIM Sustainability Week, the event highlighted the theme #EndPlasticPollution, with dedicated posters and messaging displayed throughout the stadium to raise awareness among participants and fans.
Despite several sidecar teams being forced to withdraw due to injuries in the days leading up to the event, the ten remaining outfits rose to the occasion and put on a spectacular show. With only six coveted spots available in the final, every heat became a high-stakes contest filled with adrenaline, precision, and daring maneuvers. The sidecar crews demonstrated exceptional teamwork and courage, thrilling the crowd with breathtaking overtakes and perfectly timed slides on the demanding grass circuit.
Meanwhile, the solo Grass Track riders were equally relentless in their pursuit of the nine qualification spots for the European Individual Grass Track Championship Final. Every race was a tactical and physical battle, as riders pushed their machines, and themselves, to the absolute limit. The combination of sheer speed, close-quarter racing, and fearless cornering kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Across both categories, the heats were packed with intensity and drama. A number of races had to be restarted due to crashes, but this only heightened the sense of unpredictability and excitement. The riders remained focused and professional throughout, delivering a level of racing that matched, and often exceeded, expectations.
In the Solo competition, it was British ace Chris Harris who stole the show, showcasing his experience and raw speed to take a well-earned victory. Glenn Moi of Norway delivered a strong and consistent performance to claim second place, while Mika Meijer of the Netherlands secured the final podium spot after a series of hard-fought battles.
On the sidecar front, the powerful German duo of Markus Venus and Markus Eibl asserted their dominance with a commanding performance throughout the day. They were chased closely by fellow Germans Raphael San Millan and Benedikt Zapf, who took second place with grit and determination. Rounding out the top three were local favorites Remi Valladon and Lauryna Faget, whose third-place finish was met with resounding applause from the home crowd.
The action now shifts to the next rounds. The European Individual Grass Track Championship will race Semi Final 2 at the end of July and the Final in mid-August.
The Final round of the European Sidecar Championship is scheduled for September.
Results
Solos
Sidecars
