Crash Chronicles: Alex Lowes | Aragon 2024

While crashes are a known hazard in the world of superbike racing, Lowes' incident during the superpole race at the Aragon is a reminder of just how quickly things can go wrong, even for the most experienced riders, with that in mind, we take a closer look at what happened during the Superpole Race, the conditions that contributed to the crash, and how Alex managed to escape with only bumps and bruises thanks to the advanced RST safety gear he wears.

The Track: MotorLand Aragon

MotorLand Aragon, located in northeastern Spain, is one of the most challenging and technical circuits on the WSBK calendar. Known for it's mix of fast straights, tricky corners, and elevation changes, the track demands a perfect balance of speed and control from the riders. The flowing nature of the circuit, coupled with its hard-braking zones, can be particularly punishing on the tires, making traction a key factor.

The Crash: Losing Grip at High Speed

The crash occurred during the Superpole Race, a format known for its intensity due to the short distance and the need for riders to push hard right from the start. During the race, Lowes lost control of his Kawasaki ZX-10RR, resulting in a high-speed crash that saw him slide off the track. As with many crashes in racing, the cause can often be traced back to a combination of factors—track conditions, tire performance, and the extreme demands placed on the bike’s handling. At the time of the crash, the track temperature was high, which may have played a role in overheating the tires and causing a loss of grip when Alex leaned into the corner.

Alex was fortunate that the crash did not involve any other riders, but the high-speed nature of the incident and the violent way in which he was thrown off his bike was concerning. His Kawasaki tumbled across the gravel, while Lowes came to a sliding stop, immediately prompting safety marshals to rush to his aid. While he was able to walk away from the crash, it quickly became clear that his injuries would prevent him from continuing in Race 2 later that day.

The Aftermath: Physical Toll and Recovery

Following the crash, Alex was evaluated by the medical team at the track, who determined that he had suffered bruising and muscle damage to his leg, severe enough to rule him out of Race 2. Although no fractures or major injuries were reported, the impact had clearly taken its toll on his body.

As Alex himself explained in post-race interviews, the crash was a reminder of the physical risks involved in racing at the highest level. Even a rider of his experience, who has spent years honing his skills in WSBK, can fall victim to the razor-thin margin for error in competitive superbike racing.

The Suit: Advanced Protection in Play

One of the key factors that allowed Alex Lowes to walk away from the crash with relatively minor injuries was the protective gear he was wearing at the time. Like all professional RST riders, Lowes relies on cutting-edge racing suits equipped with advanced safety features designed to mitigate the risks of high-speed accidents.

Lowes was wearing our v4.1 Airbag suit that includes the integrated in&motion airbag technology, a crucial element in modern motorsport safety. This system is designed to detect an impending crash and inflate within milliseconds, cushioning the rider’s upper body and providing additional protection for vulnerable areas such as the neck, chest, and shoulders. In this case, the airbag deployed as intended, helping to absorb the impact of the crash and prevent more serious injuries.

The suit itself, constructed from durable, abrasion-resistant materials including kangaroo leather, also played a vital role in protecting Lowes from the harshness of the crash. As he slid across the gravel trap at high speed, the suit’s exterior resisted the intense friction, minimising burns or abrasions that could have compounded his injuries.

So although Alex missed the second race of the day due to the bruising to his leg, the suit had prevented any serious injuries and Lowes was back racing the next weekend - proving just how valuable airbag technology can be in race suits.

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.

Conclusion: A Season Setback, But a Safe Outcome

Alex’s crash during the 2024 Superpole Race at Aragon serves as a reminder of the fine line between success and disaster in elite motorsport, where everyone is at the absolute limit. For Lowes, the crash resulted in a painful but manageable injury, and while he was unable to compete in Race 2, the outcome could have been much worse without the advanced safety provided by his RST v4.1 Airbag Suit.

The incident highlights the incredible demands placed on both the riders and their equipment in World Superbike. With bikes capable of reaching tremendous speeds and tracks as demanding as Aragon, even the most experienced competitors are never fully immune to the risks.

Thanks to the evolution of our racing suits and airbag technology, however, riders like Alex can be protected from crashes that would have been much more dangerous in previous eras.

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