'It's important people can express views on sidecar review'

Minister questioned on future of class in road racing on Island

The Minister for Enterprise says it's important that people get the chance to express their thoughts on the current review into sidecar road racing on the Isle of Man.

Modern F2 machinery was suspended from this year's Isle of Man TT Races and later excluded from the upcoming Southern 100 Road Races due to possible safety concerns.

Currently, the Isle of Man TT Races is carrying out a 'sustainability review' of the class which is inviting competitors, supports, teams, race organisers and more to give their thoughts on how the class can move forward.

Speaking in Tynwald this week, Tim Johnston agrees the process should be carried out urgently as well as thoroughly to give those involved in sidecar racing time to prepare appropriately:

Anyone wishing to give their views on the Isle of Man TT Races sidecar sustainability review is asked to submit their views via email to iomttraces@gov.im.

The deadline for submissions for the review is Midnight on Tuesday, 30 June.

Following the decision to suspend the class during this year's racing fortnight and ahead of the review being launched, Isle of Man TT Races Clerk of the Course, Gary Thompson stated this was not the end for sidecars on the Snaefell Mountain Course.

Separately, the Southern 100 Road Races said it's decision to exclude modern F2 sidecars from its meeting on the Billown Course next month is a 'temporary pause' for the modern outfits, adding they remain 'fully committed' to having modern sidecar racing at the event with hopes it can be reintroduced in 2027.

As a 'contingency measure' this year, classic sidecars will run at the 2026 Southern 100 Road Races whilst the regulations for modern outfits are looked into.