Crash Chronicles: Glenn Irwin | Thruxton 2024

The sight of a rider being launched into the air at such a high speed is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, a stark reminder of the risks these athletes face every time they hit the track.

Given the widespread attention this incident has gained: we wanted to take a deeper dive into what exactly happened at Thruxton. We’ll explore the sequence of events that led to the crash, the physics behind why Glenn was catapulted off his bike with such force, and most importantly, how he managed to emerge from it with only minor injuries. Let’s break it down step by step.

The Track: Thruxton Circuit

The scene of the crash was none other than the Thruxton race circuit, renowned for being one of the fastest and most challenging tracks on the British Superbike Championship (BSB) calendar. Located in Hampshire, England, Thruxton is a high-speed circuit that demands precision and bravery from every rider who takes it on. With its sweeping corners and long straights, it’s a track where top speeds are often reached, making any mistake potentially catastrophic. In the 2024 BSB season, Thruxton hosted the seventh round of the championship.

The circuit's unique combination of fast curves and tight corners tests both the skill of the riders and the capabilities of their machines. Turn 3, where Glenn Irwin’s crash occurred, is particularly notorious. It’s a section of the track where riders need to balance speed and control, and it was here that Glenn’s race took a dramatic turn.

The Crash: A High-Speed Drama

The crash unfolded at turn 3, a crucial point on the track where racers typically push their bikes to the limit as they exit the corner and accelerate down the straight. Glenn Irwin was no exception. As he powered out of the corner, his bike was clocking nearly 100 km/h, a speed at which even the slightest miscalculation can have severe consequences.

As Glenn accelerated, he encountered what every rider dreads—a sudden loss of traction at the rear wheel. A “high-side” in racing terms, and it’s one of the most dangerous situations a rider can face. In Glenn’s case, the rear tire lost grip momentarily, causing the bike to slide. However, before he could correct the slide, the tire suddenly regained traction. This abrupt change in grip acted like a slingshot, violently flipping the bike and sending Glenn flying through the air.

The physics involved in a high-side crash are intense. The sudden grip at the rear tire can generate forces well beyond what the rider’s body can handle, and in Glenn’s case, he was subjected to over 23 g of force—meaning his body experienced an impact 23 times stronger than gravity. The result was Glenn being launched approximately two meters into the air, remaining airborne for over 1.2 seconds—a heart-stopping moment for anyone watching.

Given the speed, the height, and the duration of the airborne flight, one would expect severe injuries. However, against all odds, Glenn walked away from the crash with only minor bumps and bruises. How was this possible? The answer lies in the advanced protective gear he was wearing.

The Suit: Advanced Protection in Action

On race day, Glenn Irwin was equipped with the RST V4.1 EVO Kangaroo Airbag Leather Suit, a piece of gear that played a pivotal role in saving him from serious injury. This suit is not just any ordinary racing suit; it represents the pinnacle of protective technology in motorsport.

Crafted from premium kangaroo leather, known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio, the V4.1 EVO is designed to offer maximum protection without compromising on flexibility. But what truly sets this suit apart is its integrated airbag system, developed in collaboration with In&motion, a leader in wearable airbag technology.

The airbag system in Glenn’s suit is a marvel of modern engineering. It features sensors that continuously monitor the rider's movements, detecting any sudden changes in velocity or orientation that could indicate an impending crash. When the system detects a crash, it deploys the airbags in milliseconds, providing a cushion around critical areas of the body, such as the chest, back, and neck.

In Glenn’s case, this technology was instrumental in absorbing the shock of the impact, reducing the forces transmitted to his body, and preventing what could have been life-altering injuries. The suit’s high-performance design and construction, combined with the protective capabilities of the airbag system, ensured that Glenn could walk away from the crash with just a few minor injuries—a testament to the advancements in rider safety gear.

The best bit about all of this? You can buy the exact same suit. We use the same design, construction and technology in our standard v4.1 Airbag Suit. More information below;

V4.1 AIRBAG SUIT

The V4.1 EVO is a top of the range full Factory race suit identical to that used by RST’s pros around the world. Constructed with a 60/40 split of the highest quality Kangaroo and Grade A Cowhide and reinforced with aramid fibers, the V4.1 Evo offers you the ultimate in comfort and protection. The V4.1 Evo is a more advanced suit than the previous V4.1 as the suit has been upgraded with additional external protection.

The 2024 Thruxton crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in motorcycle racing. But it also highlights the critical role that cutting-edge safety gear plays in protecting riders. Glenn Irwin’s survival and quick recovery are not just a matter of luck; they are a result of meticulous design, advanced technology, and a commitment to safety by RST.

As such, we can continue to marvel at the skill and bravery of these riders, knowing that, thanks to innovations in protective gear, they stand a better chance than ever of walking away from even the most dramatic crashes.

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