Classic Sidecars Return to Isle of Man Southern 100 After Modern Class Safety Suspension

The suspension of modern sidecar racing at the Isle of Man TT has given way to a revival of classic machines, with the Southern 100 road races set to feature vintage sidecars this July following regulatory approval from the sport's governing body. The shift comes after a safety review was launched following a qualifying incident, but organisers have determined that traditional sidecar designs are unaffected by the regulatory pause affecting modern prototypes.

Safety Review Triggers Regulatory Change

The isle of man tt sidecar review was initiated after Ryan and Callum Crowe's outfit flipped off the road during qualifying at Crosby. This incident prompted the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) and TT organisers to suspend the modern sidecar category at both the Isle of Man TT and the Southern 100 races. The decision reflects concerns about the aerodynamic design features and flat-floor configurations used in contemporary machines.

However, race officials concluded that classic sidecars built before 1967 (two-stroke) or 1972 (four-stroke) do not utilise the complex prototype aerodynamic systems that triggered the regulatory pause. This distinction allowed organisers to proceed with a dedicated classic sidecar race under separate technical regulations established for traditional machines.

Southern 100 Welcomes Classic Grid

The Southern 100 races, scheduled for 6–9 July on the 4.25-mile Billown Course in Castletown, will now feature classic sidecars as a centrepiece event. Entry is fully funded by a private benefactor, removing cost barriers for competitors interested in participating. Giles Olley, Clerk of the Course, described the outcome as "a fantastic solution" that emerged directly from discussions with the paddock community.

The rapid assembly of a competitive grid represents a significant achievement for the road racing community. Greg Lambert, a sidecar competitor, coordinated extensive ground-level work with drivers and passengers, while ACU officials expedited the administrative approval process. Organisers emphasised that the event will proceed only if entry numbers support a viable grid, with newcomers to the event particularly welcomed.

Classic sidecar machines last competed on the island during the Pre-TT Classic races held in May on the same Billown Circuit. The regularity with which these machines have operated on the course provides a foundation of experience for both organisers and competitors preparing for the July event.