Sidecar racing has considerably changed over the years. These days, both rider and passenger wear protective gear and the discipline has its own world championship, which includes several mixed pairs.

Harmony and mutual trust are the keys to excellence. Both members of the pair are copilots and the sidecars attain impressive speeds. The machines may look stable, but it takes great expertise to stick them to the track.

Riders control the power while passengers - or monkeys as they are sometimes known - shift their weight to ensure the sidecar holds the track and keeps balanced all while gaining an advantage over their opponents.

The season-opener is at the Bugatti circuit. Following two practice and one qualifying session, 20–30 teams line up for the two races scheduled on the Friday and Saturday.

The Le Mans Bugatti Circuit is also the venue for the opening event of the 2026 PMR Bridgestone Cup. Founded by paraplegic rider Stéphane Paulus, the PMR Bridgestone Cup is for riders with reduced mobility. Approximately 30 racers are expected to compete in the 600cc and 1000cc categories on the machines adapted to the level of mobility.

For example, for paraplegic riders, the motorcycles are equipped with a thumb-operated shifter gear-change system and a rear brake mounted above the clutch. The schedule includes free practice and qualifying sessions and two races, on the Friday and Saturday.

The Continental Cup is back at the Bugatti for the second year running. Through the Royal Enfield brand, of which SIMA is the exclusive distributor in France, riders compete with the Continental GT 650cc fitted with update kit to conform to Fédération Française de Motocyclisme requirements. Races take place all over France. The Continental Cup is an affordable championship and open to riders of all levels.

The 24H Motos stages the first of the season’s five rounds. The schedule includes one free practice, two qualifying sessions and two races, on the Friday and Saturday. More than 40 motorcycles are expected to take part.