Both members of the French sidecar team MEFIE-TE lost their lives in a serious accident at the Hengelo Road Race last weekend. Rider Franck Bajus (62) and passenger Christophe Darras (52) succumbed to their serious injuries one day after the accident. Last year, Darras competed alongside Pierre Leguen in the FIM Sidecar World Championship and also participated in the IDM series.
The accident occurred during the final race of the prestigious event. The Northern Sidecar Cup had begun. On the final straight of the Varsselring racetrack—that is, on the way to the famous windmill—Franck Bajus and Christophe Darras lost control of their sidecar. It crashed into the garden of a farmhouse and came to a stop next to the racetrack. The official cause of the accident has not yet been announced. The investigation is ongoing.
A large contingent of emergency responders worked tirelessly to treat the injured. Several ambulances and two trauma helicopters were deployed. As was announced today, Tuesday, all efforts by the medical team at the racetrack and the care provided at the hospitals were unable to save the lives of Franck Bajus and Christophe Darras. Both died on Monday, May 13, 2024, one day after the accident.
"Pin-Pon" Darras competed in the FIM Sidecar World Championship last year. Riding with Pierre Leguen on the LCR Suzuki sidecar, he earned 12 championship points, finishing 20th in the overall standings. In the separate IDM standings, the team finished 13th overall.
Motor Presse Stuttgart, as the promoter and organizer of the Sidecar World Championship, and the entire IDM team bid farewell today to two sidecar riders known for their passion and perseverance. Franck Bajus and Christophe Darras have both made their mark on the sidecar scene in their own way. Their stories are documented in black and white. We wish their families much strength during this difficult time.
