by Jenni Horn

A sidecar passenger from Rochester is in a serious condition in hospital after being involved in a high speed smash on the Isle of Man.

Mark Cox, 39, from Rochester and driver Nicky Crowe, 38, from Jurby, Isle of Man, were involved in the crash on the opening lap of side car race at the Isle of Man TT Festival on Wednesday evening.

The pair were leading the race at the time of the incident, travelling up to 120 mph. It was reported the sidecar had caught fire and been extensively damaged.

Both men were airlifted to Noble's Hospital, in Douglas, with serious injuries.

Mark will have to undergo surgery after suffering serious fractures and his condition is described as comfortable. Nick is in a stable condition with serious fractures.

It is believed onboard footage from the sidecar suggests the crash was caused by a hare running into the road directly in front of them.

The race was abandoned and a senior practice session scheduled to take place later that evening was also cancelled.

In a statement released by race organisers at 11pm on Wednesday, it said both competitors had significant injuries and were being evaluated in hospital.

Despite their injuries the pair were able to talk to hospital staff and wanted to pass on their thanks to the marshals and medics who assisted at the scene of the incident and the staff at Noble's Hospital.

The race had begun at 6.15pm following delays earlier in the day because of wet weather in the west of the Isle of Man.

The Isle of Man TT has a long history of serious incidents. The island's road system is closed during the event as the top motorcyclists compete against the clock around a 37 and three quarter mile course.

The course runs through twisting streets, narrow roads and sharp corners and it has accounted for over 200 deaths since the introduction of the race in 1907.

Mark and Nicky won the race last year.