The Isle of Man TT is conducting a sustainability review of its Sidecar class following a series of huge crashes during the 2026 event. The review aims to ensure that the class can be made safer while still maintaining its competitive spirit. This assessment will consider various sporting, technical, and operational factors.
The review will also examine the role of specialist panels in providing advice and expertise across several key areas, including technical regulations, race organisation, and competitor representation. These panels will help inform the final report, which is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.
Competitors, teams, officials, industry representatives, and spectators are all invited to submit written feedback on the Sidecar class. The submissions must be sent to the official Isle of Man government website before midnight on June 30th. This open invitation aims to gather a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
The review will consider feedback and information received from various stakeholders, as well as historical and forecast participation levels, incident data, operational considerations, and wider indicators. The final report will provide a comprehensive assessment of the Sidecar class's sustainability at the Isle of Man TT.
Gary Thompson, Clerk of the Course, has emphasized that this review is not solely a response to the events of 2026 but rather a long-term evaluation of the class's viability. He notes that the review will consider participation trends, technical development, and incident data over several years.
The Isle of Man TT has a rich history with Sidecar racing, and Thompson stresses the importance of ensuring that this aspect of the event remains sustainable for competitors, teams, officials, and fans alike. The review's findings will inform recommendations for improvement or changes to the class.
Thompson also highlights the need for an open, balanced, and evidence-led process in the review. This approach will ensure that conclusions are informed by both experience and objective data.
The Isle of Man TT's commitment to safety and sustainability is evident in its decision to suspend the Sidecar class during 2026. The upcoming review aims to build on this momentum and create a safer, more sustainable future for Sidecar racing at the event.
The Isle of Man TT's decision to suspend the Sidecar class was a response to the need for improvement in rider safety, but this review will also consider the sport's long-term viability.
