According to Motorcycle News, the Isle of Man TT organizers are launching a Sustainability review of the sidecar class. The review follows the suspension of the class during this year's IOM TT races due to safety concerns after a serious sidecar crash.
The sidecar crash that led to the suspension of the class involved four-time race winners and current record holders Ryan and Callum Crow during the third qualifying session. The incident saw the duo's machine flip as it caught air, but this wasn't the only serious sidecar crash during this year's event.
Maria Costello, MBE, and Shaun Parker were also involved in a serious sidecar crash that left Costello hospitalized and suffering from paralysis after breaking her neck. It's important to note that these crashes came after the IOM TT organizers put in place new regulations for the sidecar class to reduce top speeds.
An official release stated that the review into the sustainability of the sidecar class will be supported by “a number of specialist panels, who will provide expertise and advice across multiple areas, including technical regulations, race organisation and competitor representation.” Teams, competitors, industry representatives, officials, and spectators are invited to send written submissions as part of the review. Submissions should be emailed to iomttraces.gov.im, and the deadline is midnight June 30.
The press statement continued, “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,"
Gary Thompson MBE, BEM, Clerk of the Course, said, “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... 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."
A final sustainability report will be completed by the end of July 2026. But following the suspension from the IOM TT, the class has also been removed from the Southern 100 Races, although the Classic Sidecar class will take place at the Isle of Man-based event.
