Round 3 of the 2026 FIM Sidecarcross Championship took place in Kleinhau, Germany, and saw British glory with Dan Foden and Noah Weinmann taking the chequers in both motos for a fantastic victory.
Race Report by Barry Nutley – Images courtesy of WSC
Sunday dawned, full of expectation, with the Junior sidecars as a support class doing their free training. Hopes were high for Tim Prummer, and his nerves must have been jangling just a little bit, whilst Hermans and Lielbardis both knew they had to maximise this opportunity.
The customary presentation did little to settle the nerves, but the crowd appreciated the formalities, and the podium area was crowded.
The World Championship Quads set the scene, and the stage was ready for the sidecars, as was the enthusiastic crowd.
Race One – What they were about to witness almost defies belief. An incredible race unfolded with Mike Hodges/Ryan Henderson again getting the hole-shot from Dan Foden, Brett Wilkinson, Marvin Vanluchene and Koen Hermans. The three British crews were in a very fast convoy, with Brett swiftly moving into second, fighting with Vanluchene and Hermans.
Killian and Evan Prunier, along with Tim Prummer and Patrick Schneider had abysmal starts leaving themselves a lot to do given the pace at the front. Mike Hodges dropped out of the running, but restarted to finish the race, whilst Vanluchene took control at the front as Wilkinson went backwards down the order and retired after four laps. Meanwhile, at the front, Dan Foden/Noah Weinmann kept on the coat tails of Marvin and Ben, with the Prunier brothers fighting through the field in pursuit of the leaders.
Gradually they wore down Hermans, moving third, but not before Dan Foden, with a good second wind, passed Vanluchene into the lead with three laps to go. Tim Prummer had a similar result fighting behind the Prunier boys to claim fourth place and protect his title challenge. This race will go down as something special.
Result
Race Two – From the gate, Dan Foden set his stall out perfectly and grabbed the lead ahead of Hodges, Vanluchene and Brett Wilkinson. Marvin made a good ride round the outside of turn one to firm up his position as Tim Prummer, Koen Hermans and the Lielbardis twins fought further back to stay in touch.
The first three, with Foden in control, immediately pulled a gap as the chasers battled for position behind. Prummer got the best of the deal, he was already in a stronger position than his early placing in the first race. Sadly, for him, whilst he closed on Wilkinson in fourth, he could not get past the British crew and began to drop back. Brett and Joe kept the pressure on, but by the same token, could not close the gap on Vanluchene in third.
The race settled into this stalemate with no teams making any dramatic advances, including Killian and Evan Prunier, who, having closed right on the back of Foden, simply could not get past, and eventually dropped back to a ten second deficit. Foden and Weinmann never looked flustered or troubled, maintain complete composure and control throughout.
The standings now have a different look, and the prospect of the home Grand Prix for Dan Foden looks rosy.
Round Four comes from Canada Heights, Swanley, Kent, in the UK over the weekend of 30/31 May.
Result
Overall Result GP
Standings
