A Sidecar Sustainability Review has been launched by Isle of Man TT organisers following the suspension of the class during this year’s event.
The Sidecar category was suspended on safety grounds following a serious incident involving four-time race winners, and current record holders, Ryan and Callum Crowe at Crosby during the third qualifying session which saw their outfit flip off the circuit.
An official review will take place and will examine a range of sporting, technical and operational factors.
According to the official release, the review will by supported by “a number of specialist panels, who will provide expertise and advice across multiple areas, including technical regulations, race organisation and competitor representation.”
Competitors, teams, officials, industry representatives and spectators have been invited to send in written submissions as part of the review. These submissions should be emailed to iomttraces.gov.im, and the deadline is midnight on June 30.
“The review will consider all feedback and information received alongside a detailed assessment of a range of relevant data sets, including historical and forecast participation levels, incident data, operational considerations and wider indicators relating to the sustainability of the class,” the statement continued.
A final report will be completed by the end of July 2026, and this will be published.
“The decision to suspend the Sidecar class during this year’s event was not taken lightly. Sidecars have a long and important history at the Isle of Man TT and are valued by competitors, teams, officials and fans alike,” Gary Thompson MBE, BEM, Clerk of the Course, said.
“However, this review is not solely a response to the events of this year. It will consider the Sidecar class over a number of years, including participation trends, technical development, incident data and its long-term sustainability within the Isle of Man TT.
“This review will examine a wide range of factors, and we are keen to hear from all those with an interest in the sport. Alongside the evidence submitted, it will assess a range of relevant data sets to help ensure that any conclusions and recommendations are informed by both experience and objective evidence.
“We are committed to ensuring that the process is open, balanced and evidence led. The Isle of Man TT has continually evolved throughout its history, and it is important that we approach this review in the same spirit.”
Following its suspension from the Isle of Man TT, the Sidecar class has also been removed from the Southern 100 Races . The Classic Sidecar class will however participate at the Isle of Man-based event.
Sports Reporter - Motorcycle racing enthusiast Josh joined the MCN team in 2019. He studied Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland, leaving with a 2:1 and a Gold Standard Diploma in Journalism from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Introduced to the world of motorcycle racing by his dad as a youngster, Josh became a fan of MotoGP, WorldSBK and BSB. Like many, Josh became a huge Valentino Rossi supporter…little did he know that years later he would ask a question or two to the man himself.
Sports Reporter and fan of all things motorsport.