Road Racing Weekly Roundup
TT Sidecar Future Review Launched + Barry Sheene Festival Approaches - Organisers address the sidecar class suspension, Southern 100 goes live, and Oliver's Mount prepares for action.
Isle of Man TT Officials Launch Comprehensive Sidecar Sustainability Review
Following the decision to suspend the Sidecar class entirely during race week at the 2026 Isle of Man TT, event organisers have formally launched a TT Sidecar Sustainability Review. The critical inquiry follows a sequence of serious incidents, including a high-speed qualifying crash at Crosby involving defending champions Ryan and Callum Crowe, who fortunately sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Led by Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson MBE BEM, the review panel will examine sporting, operational, and technical factors to determine the long-term viability of three-wheel competition on the 37.73-mile Snaefell Mountain Course. Written submissions from teams, competitors, and fans are being accepted until midnight on 30 June, with a definitive final report slated for publication by the end of July.
Gary Thompson MBE BEM: "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 to make it more resilient for the future."
P&K Barry Sheene Festival Set to Ignite Oliver’s Mount
Real road racing returns to English soil this coming weekend (20–21 June) with the annual P&K Barry Sheene Festival at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough. Serving as the mid-season highlight for the UK's only natural hillside circuit, the meeting features a packed schedule of modern and classic categories. Organisers have confirmed an influx of entries from riders looking to maintain their competitive edge following the truncated race week on the Isle of Man, with special classic bike parades scheduled to honour Britain's legendary dual World Champion.
Southern 100 Confirms Expanded Live Streaming Schedule for July
The Southern 100 Road Races has announced a major digital expansion for its 2026 meeting, scheduled for 6–9 July on the 4.25-mile Billown Course in Castletown. Following a successful pilot broadcast last season, event directors have finalized a deal with King of the Roads TV to provide comprehensive, multi-camera live streaming coverage for the Wednesday evening and Thursday championship races. The mass-start event, traditionally dubbed "The Friendly Races," joins a select global broadcast pass alongside elite events in Finland and Ireland.
Paddock Reaction: Machinery Adjustments Ahead of Post-TT Debates
With multiple race events cancelled during the final days of the TT due to persistent low cloud cover, several privateer teams have reported logistical pressures regarding rider bonuses and sponsor exposure. Discussions are underway within the MGP and TT Competitors Association regarding alternative scheduling regulations for future weather interruptions, ensuring that categories like the Supertwin and Sidecar classes receive equal prioritisation should condensed timetables occur in 2027 or 2028.
Sources
Isle of Man TT Official Press Office, Cycle News, Southern 100 Media, Oliver’s Mount Racing, Road Racing News, BikeSport News.
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