Sidecars at the TT 2027?

From Dave Stewart

Some of you know me, some of you probably don’t, but perhaps I should point out that I am probably the most experienced Sidecar organiser in the world.

Yeah, big statement, but I can back it up.

So rather than everyone chucking in accusations and conspiracy theories about the cancellation of Sidecars at this year’s TT, I would ask you all to read the following (to the end) then resist commenting for at least 5 minutes while you think about it.

After 5 minutes please feel free to tell me that I’m full of crap if that’s your wish. You won’t offend me and I really won’t care.

First up I will admit that I am not a fan of the TT, but I do believe it is everyone’s absolute right to race there if that is their desire.
I will (and have) fought for that right to be maintained, as I think it is one of the last bastions of racing freedom.

1) Before any finger pointing starts about the new technical regulations or the motives of the organisers, consider this:-

I have known Paul King, Gary Thompson and most of the other senior people at ACU Events since it’s inception.
I have often had very “colourful” disagreements with all of them on many subjects, but I can honestly tell you that their integrity is completely sincere. They make decisions based solely on what they believe is good for the sport.

2) The changes to the regulations were genuinely intended to PROLONG the viability of Sidecars on the island.

If there have been unintended or unforeseen consequences, that was not through any lack of effort or skill.

3) The correct thought process when something like this occurs is to stop and assess. That can take time and may not be something that is practical during the event itself.

I don’t know what the initial findings are, but I assume they are inconclusive or not practical for an immediate fix.

4) Attacking that process without the benefit of all of the facts does not advance the cause of Sidecars or the TT itself.

Indeed, attacking the organisers for the current decision could well be the “nail in the coffin” that you are all railing against.

As frustrating, annoying and even unfair as it may seem, a proper assessment needs to be made as to why the sidecar class is deemed to have issues that do not currently seem to affect the solos.

5) As far as I am aware, nobody is currently saying that the sidecar class cannot return to the TT in 2027 and beyond.

That may yet happen, but I cannot see why that would be the case given the vast experience available to resolve the issues.

6) The things that are currently required are:-

Patience from the teams, sponsors and competitors.

Openness and fiscal fairness from the organisers and permit issuing authority.

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None of this can be accomplished on forums, Facebook groups or even in closed committee meetings.

The ACU, not ACU Events, needs to take the lead here in a timely fashion and without trying to cut corners.

A full report, which includes why new technical regulations were deemed necessary, needs to be compiled and circulated openly.

If you go in the wrong direction, you don’t need to abandon the journey, just turn around and take a better route.

Dave Stewart
Race Organiser of over 1,000 race events since 1994.