The future of the Isle of Man TT Sidecar class is under formal review in the wake of the category’s suspension at this year’s event
The Isle of Man TT Races said the review will examine the viability and sustainability of Sidecar competition by looking at a range of sporting, technical and operational factors. It will be supported by specialist panels offering expertise across areas including technical regulations, race organisation and competitor representation, while written submissions are being invited from competitors, teams, officials, industry representatives, spectators and any other interested parties. Submissions should be sent to iomttraces@gov.im, with the deadline set for midnight on 30 June 2026.
The review will assess all feedback received alongside a detailed examination of relevant data, including historical and forecast participation levels, incident data, operational considerations and wider indicators relating to the sustainability of the class. A final report is due by the end of July 2026 and will be published.
The announcement follows a shocking period for the Sidecar class at this year’s TT, which was cancelled after two horrific high-speed crashes. Defending champions Ryan and Callum Crowe were lucky to survive when their sidecar suddenly went airborne at the fast Crosby section during qualifying. They suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but the circumstance of the crash led organisers to suspend the Sidecars for the rest of the TT. Expert observers believe a recent rule change regarding the floor of sidecars is compromising aerodynamic safety, with phone footage taken by spectators showing the outfit launching off a slight rise like a glider.
Another accident, unrelated to the Crowes’, saw driver Maria Costello and passenger Shaun Parker crash at the Brandish section. Both suffered serious injuries, with Costello, who has raced at the Isle of Man since 1996, paralysed from the chest down. A GoFundMe page has already raised more than A$300,000 to assist with her future health issues. Costello and Parker’s crash happened on the same day solo rider Daniel Ingham died after crashing at Doran’s Bend in an earlier qualifying session. In an untimed session on the opening day of the TT, eight spectators and a rider were also injured when a bike went into the crowd at Parliament Square.
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.
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.”
The TT said the proposed review is distinctly separate from a safety review or an investigation into a specific incident, for which there are established processes and procedures under the sole purview of race organiser ACU Events Ltd.
