Sidecar TT

[jamie]

Just seen this on Facebook.
Sidecar class 2014 is a open class with tuned motors.

[Jo Warriner]

So new engines for this year and new engines again for next? Keeping the costs down??

[steve-e]

http://www.iomtt.com/News/2013/10/12/Is ... ecars.aspx

[steve-e]

Following extensive consultation and feedback from sidecar teams and competitors, the Isle of Man TT Races Organisers and Promoters have elected to return to 'Open Class' regulations for the 2014 Isle of Man TT Sidecar Races.

The regulations will be similar to those that were in place for the 2011 TT Races and will allow competitors to run tuned engines. The original amendment was introduced in an attempt to reduce costs for competitors but research has shown that teams have not significantly reduced operating budgets by the restrictions.

Gary Thompson, ACUE Director and TT Races Clerk of the Course commented:

"With any motorcycle racing event or series of the stature of the Isle of Man TT, rules and regulations are constantly under review and Promoters and Organisers need to adapt regulations according to the changing circumstances."

The Sidecar Class for TT 2014 will run technically as below:

The only permitted engines for this class are:
501 – 600cc, 4 stroke, 4 cylinder, Production based
Rotary engines are not permitted.
Over-boring is not permitted.

Induction systems:
501 – 600cc, 4 stroke: Any carburettor is permitted.
501 -600cc four-stroke Fuel injection engines: Fuel injection systems are permitted using only the
throttle-bodies as homologated for the engine concerned.
The injectors must be standard units as on the homologated engine.

Bell mouths, intake tract devices (Velocity stacks, air funnels) may be modified or replaced.
Butterfly cannot be changed or modified. Where fitted a secondary butterfly or slide may be locked in
the fully open position.
Any fuel pump may be used.
Homologated fuel pressure must remain unmodified.
The fuel ignition ECU and Ignition Control Unit may be changed.
The camshaft duration is free but the lift must remain as homologated.
The cam chain or cam belt-tensioning device is free.
Cam sprockets or cam gears may be modified or replaced to allow the timing of camshafts.

[Jo Warriner]

I wonder if it's the same extensive consultation that happened when practice changed to qualifying that no-one on this site had heard of.

[Wal]

As far as I am aware Jo, all 2013 Sidecar competitors were sent an email asking for their thoughts on the then current regulations.
I suppose whether you class that as extensive depends on how many people replied and what they said.

[steve-e]

EDIT UPDATE: I've heard from Pat just now that the British will remain as is now. There will be a statement going out to all teams shortly.
Thanks for the info Pat.

[lurch]

well, will be interesting, am I right in saying that tim reeves has said he thinks he can break the lap record with a tuned motor? I know many people will struggle against the real good engines, but if tim is right the speeds should be awsome

[steve-e]

I would expect the record to be broken. Not just by Tim. I don't know how much difference exactly a tuned engine would make performance wise - the worry might be reliability but that doesn't really appear to be tuning. Most breakdowns seem to be electrical or oil system related now. Running a bearing dry will happen standard or tuned with a sidecar, and blowing fuses has nothing to do with tuning.

I'll leave that there for the experts to give their opinions, as you know - I know nothing of that stuff

[sidecarf2]

Consultation,Tim with tuned engine,cheaper racing,lap records and only 7 months to get back to what we've all just got rid of.I'm getting a cheap flight to the I O M going down to FAIRY BRIDGE ,where I can find out the answer to why we bother!!! That will get the ball going STEVE

[steve-e]

See you on the plane Nige, I'm flying Friday I always say hello to the Fairies and the boys have nearly taught me how to say it in Manx now
It wasn't standard motors anyway was it, just top end?
There are still some restrictions, I don't really understand the thing about cam duration being free but not lift. The cheapest way to regrind cams used to be grind the back off so you got longer duration but with more lift as a consequence.
There's another one for the experts, I'm talking GSX and NSU from centuries ago

[wingnut]

Forgive an F1 guy from butting in here but if the British Championship stays as is, that means one set of motors for that and one set for the TT. Wonder what that will do for the entry list at the TT? Also while Im on, what truth is there in the rumour that the British is to run Yokohama Radial as a control tyre next year ? If true will the TT allow any tyre? Now ive opened the can Ill get my coat.

[steve-e]

It does sound like 2 different engine specs. Personally I think the FSRA have got it right and the TT people have just backed out because they wouldn't police the problems.
I think the engines of the top 5 qualifiers should be checked and sealed BEFORE the race, they know they're on the list to be stripped after so why not. Then you won't get the alleged embarassment of people running odd valve springs (don't mention painted springs, anyone can buy paint) and at the end of the race everyone knows they've been beaten by a master. I don't get this stripping the engine after thing. OK, you can race, but if you win we'll check? If I did that in my job.. we'll check it when it burns the place down.. I would get laughed at for suggesting it.
The real racers would want their engines to be watched being put together and sealed so everyone knows they are legal and will win whatever, the others would shy away.
It wouldn't cost any more to check beforehand than after. Everyone could have a good race knowing they're all on a level field. AND you wouldn't have organisers panicking because they can't sort out who is supposed to be on TV

Just a thought

[sidecarf2]

I'm going to ask Tony to fit a fireblade and just stamp 600 cc on it . You never know it may work!!

[steve-e]

Reckon that would be fine