Sustainability Assessment to Examine Long-Term Viability of TT Sidecar Competition
The Isle of Man TT Races has announced the launch of a comprehensive TT Sidecar Sustainability Review following the suspension of Sidecar racing during the 2026 event.
The review will examine the long-term future of the Sidecar class at the world’s most famous road race, assessing whether the category remains viable and sustainable within the modern TT environment.
Officials have stressed that the initiative is not a direct response to any single incident during this year’s event. Instead, it forms part of a wider evaluation of the class and its future role within the Isle of Man TT, taking into account participation trends, technical developments, operational demands and broader challenges facing Sidecar racing.
The findings of the review are expected to help shape important decisions regarding the future of one of the TT’s most historic and distinctive racing categories.
Sidecars Have Been Part of TT History for Decades
One of the Mountain Course’s Most Unique Spectacles
Sidecar racing has long been an integral part of the Isle of Man TT.
Unlike solo motorcycle competition, Sidecar racing requires two competitors working in complete harmony. The driver controls the machine while the passenger, often referred to as the “monkey,” moves dramatically around the outfit to balance the machine through corners and at high speed.
The discipline has produced some of the most spectacular images in TT history and has attracted a passionate following among road racing fans.
Over the decades, legendary names such as Ben and Tom Birchall, Dave Molyneux, Klaus Klaffenböck, Tim Reeves and John Holden have helped establish Sidecar racing as a unique element of the TT programme.
However, like many specialist motorsport categories worldwide, Sidecar racing has faced growing challenges in recent years, including rising costs, recruitment of new competitors and maintaining healthy grid numbers.
The newly announced review aims to examine these issues in greater detail.
Independent Panels to Provide Expert Guidance
Specialists to Assess Technical, Sporting and Operational Factors
TT organisers have confirmed that the review will be supported by several specialist advisory panels.
These panels will bring together expertise from across multiple areas of the sport, including:
- Technical regulations
- Race organisation and event management
- Competitor representation
- Sporting governance
- Operational planning
- Motorsport development
The objective is to ensure that the review considers every aspect of Sidecar competition and benefits from the experience of individuals directly involved in the discipline.
Organisers believe this approach will help create a balanced and evidence-based assessment rather than relying solely on individual opinions or isolated incidents.
Public Consultation Process Opens
Competitors, Teams and Fans Invited to Contribute
One of the most significant elements of the review is the decision to invite written submissions from across the wider motorsport community.
Current and former competitors, teams, officials, manufacturers, industry representatives, supporters and spectators are all being encouraged to share their views.
The Isle of Man TT has stated that it wants to hear from anyone with an interest in the future of Sidecar racing.
This consultation process is expected to provide valuable insight into the challenges facing the class as well as potential solutions for its future development.
Written submissions can be sent directly to:
The closing date for submissions is midnight on 30 June 2026.
Wide Range of Data to Be Examined
Participation, Safety Trends and Future Growth Under Review
In addition to public feedback, organisers will conduct a detailed examination of several key data sets.
Areas expected to be analysed include:
- Historical Sidecar entry numbers
- Forecast participation levels
- Competitor demographics
- Technical developments within the class
- Operational requirements
- Incident statistics
- Cost implications
- Long-term sustainability indicators
The review will seek to identify whether the current structure of Sidecar racing at the TT remains sustainable and whether changes may be required to ensure its future.
Participation levels are expected to be a particularly important factor.
Many motorsport categories around the world are facing increasing pressure to attract younger competitors while balancing the costs associated with competing at elite level events. Sidecar racing is no exception.
Gary Thompson Explains Purpose of the Review
Clerk of the Course Calls for Open and Evidence-Based Process
Gary Thompson MBE BEM, Clerk of the Course for the Isle of Man TT Races, has emphasised that the review is intended to take a broad and long-term view of the Sidecar category.
According to Thompson, the decision to suspend Sidecar competition during the 2026 TT was not taken lightly, given the class’s importance to the event and its loyal following.
He noted that Sidecars remain highly valued by competitors, teams, officials and fans alike.
However, he also acknowledged the need to examine how the class has evolved over recent years and whether it remains sustainable in its current form.
Thompson stated that the review will consider participation trends, technical development, operational factors and incident data accumulated over several seasons rather than focusing solely on events from this year.
He also stressed the importance of gathering feedback from across the sport while ensuring that any recommendations are based on objective evidence.
According to Thompson, the TT has continually evolved throughout its history, adapting to changing circumstances while preserving the core values that have made the event famous worldwide.
The Sidecar review, he said, should be approached with that same mindset.
Separate From Any Safety Investigation
Sustainability Review Will Not Replace Existing Incident Procedures
Organisers have been keen to clarify that the Sustainability Review is entirely separate from any safety investigation or incident inquiry.
The Isle of Man TT already has established procedures for investigating accidents and race-related incidents through the race organiser, ACU Events Ltd.
Those processes will continue independently where required.
Instead, the Sustainability Review is focused specifically on the broader future of the Sidecar category and whether it can continue to thrive as part of the TT programme in the years ahead.
This distinction is considered important to ensure that the review remains focused on strategic issues rather than becoming centred on a single event or occurrence.
What Could the Review Mean for the Future?
Several Potential Outcomes Possible
While no conclusions have yet been reached, the review could ultimately lead to a range of recommendations.
These may include:
- Retaining the current format
- Adjustments to technical regulations
- Changes to qualification criteria
- Measures to increase participation
- Enhanced development pathways for new competitors
- Revised race structures
- Long-term strategic planning for the class
At this stage, organisers have stressed that no outcome has been predetermined.
The purpose of the review is to gather evidence, evaluate the data and make informed recommendations based on the findings.
Final Report Expected by End of July
Future Direction of Sidecar Racing to Become Clearer
The completed review is expected to be finalised and published by the end of July 2026.
Its findings will be closely watched throughout the road racing community, particularly by competitors, teams and supporters who regard Sidecar racing as an essential part of the Isle of Man TT experience.
For many fans, the Sidecar races represent some of the most dramatic and skilful competition seen anywhere in motorsport, combining incredible bravery, teamwork and precision around the challenging 37.73-mile Mountain Course.
As the review begins, the future of the class remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that TT organisers are undertaking one of the most significant examinations of Sidecar racing in recent history, with the aim of ensuring that any decisions made are based on thorough analysis, expert input and the long-term interests of the sport.
