- TT organisers say there is a credible pathway to bringing Sidecars back in 2027.
- First-stage review recommends major technical and sporting reforms following the 2026 suspension.
- A Technical Development Group will now develop the changes needed before any return.
The Isle of Man TT has taken its first major step towards bringing Sidecar racing back to the Mountain Course, with organisers revealing the initial findings of a comprehensive review launched after the class was suspended during the 2026 event.
The first-stage report concludes there is strong support for retaining Sidecars at the TT, but says the class cannot return in its previous form and will require significant technical and operational changes before racing resumes.
The announcement follows one of the most turbulent periods in the history of TT Sidecar racing.
During qualifying for the 2026 event, multiple serious incidents rocked the class. Maria Costello and passenger Shaun Parker suffered a heavy crash at Brandish that left Costello with life-changing injuries, including paralysis from the chest down. Just two days later, defending champions Ryan and Callum Crowe were involved in a spectacular airborne accident at Crosby that raised fresh concerns over the aerodynamic behaviour of modern Sidecar outfits.
The incidents prompted organisers to make the unprecedented decision to suspend the Sidecar class for the remainder of TT 2026 while a full technical and operational review was undertaken.
Strong support – but change is essential
The review gathered more than 460 public submissions, along with input from competitors, technical specialists and race officials. It examined the long-term sustainability of Sidecar racing across safety, technical development, participation, affordability, governance and the sporting health of the class.
While the findings were overwhelmingly supportive of preserving Sidecars at the TT, the report makes it clear that meaningful reform is now unavoidable.
“Although organisers have stopped short of officially confirming the class will return next year, the findings effectively provide the roadmap for a potential 2027 comeback.”
Among the priorities identified for the next stage are:
- Reducing overall performance
- Strengthening technical controls
- Improving chassis assurance
- Enhancing scrutineering procedures
- Raising competitor standards
- Refining the technical regulations
A longer-term engineering programme will also investigate aerodynamics, chassis development and future Sidecar concepts.
Technical group to shape the future
TT Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson said the review was never intended to decide whether Sidecars should simply stay or go.
“Our responsibility has been to understand the challenges facing the class and determine whether there is a credible and sustainable way forward.”
He said there remains “enormous affection” for Sidecar racing but broad agreement that meaningful change is required if the category is to survive into the future.
“The report does not represent the end of the process. It marks the end of the first stage.”
“Our focus now turns to working with competitors, constructors, governing bodies and technical experts to develop an initial package of reforms that can be delivered within an appropriate timeframe.”
The report recommends establishing a dedicated Technical Development Group to oversee that work in conjunction with competitors, constructors, the Auto Cycle Union and the wider Sidecar community.
Roadmap points towards 2027
Although organisers have stopped short of officially confirming the class will return next year, the findings effectively provide the roadmap for a potential 2027 comeback.
The review concludes there is a credible pathway to continuing Sidecar competition through a phased programme of reforms, rather than abandoning one of the TT’s most historic classes altogether.
With engineering work now set to begin and strong backing from competitors and fans alike, attention will turn to whether the proposed technical changes can be agreed, tested and implemented in time for the Sidecars to return to the Mountain Course in 2027.
