Santander Salt to bow out of FIM Sidecar World Championship

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Following last week’s news that RKB-F1 is to withdraw from sidecar championship activities at the end of the 2022 season, agreement has now been reached with the FIM to formally cease involvement as promoter of that series too.


Roger Body of RKB-F1 Motorsport and CEO of Santander Salt the series sponsor, had this to say – “After much deliberation and with regret I have decided that the time has come for me retire from the front line in organising the world and British Sidecar championships. I have enjoyed immensely the involvement with the series and the people and friendships formed along the way. I would have liked to achieve more but I think it is time for young blood and maybe some fresh thinking. I wish all those involved in the future of the sport the best of luck. My personal thanks go to the FIM and all those who played a part in helping me realise my ambitions.”



The FIM were fully supportive and appreciative of Roger’s decision, and completely understanding of the circumstances which contributed to it.
The FIM President Jorge Viegas said – “On behalf of the FIM, I would like to thank Roger Body and the entire Santander Salt team for having deployed their best efforts and contributed with strong passion to the growth of this spectacular championship in an extremely difficult context. The FIM will try to find a new promoter for the FIM Sidecar World Championship from 2023 onwards.”



As stated in our previous announcement, our best efforts will be applied to the finalisation of the 2022 season for both the British and the World series, with lots of racing still to do.
Both championships are wide open, with double points applicable in the final rounds at Brands Hatch and Estoril respectively.


I know I speak for all the sidecar teams, fans, spectators, TV audiences and Santander Salt support staff when I thank Roger Body for his vision, hard work and enthusiasm over many years in keeping the sport of sidecar racing alive at the highest level. No-one could possibly have done more.
Thank you, Roger.

Media Matters – Barry Nutley barry.nutley@btinternet.com