By To some the saying, the end of an era is corny but, in this case, it truly is, Sidecar TT ‘King Pin’, four times World Champion Tom Birchall has called time on his illustrious racing career.
14 times a TT winner alongside brother Ben Birchall, he is currently the most winning three wheeling passenger in TT history, equal on TT wins with the legendary Mike Hailwood.
Back in June on route to TT success No.14, the Birchall’s swept up yet another moment of Mountain Course history, setting the first 120-mph lap by Sidecar participants.
Speaking about this feat and why he feels the time is right to step away from competitive action, T (Tom) Birchall stated:
“It’s not been an easy decision to make by any means, but it’s now 20 years since I first got in an outfit alongside Ben and it’s 10 years since we took our first TT win, something we dreamt about as kids when we used to come on family holidays to watch.
And so having achieved what we have and having broken that 120mph barrier this year, the timing feels as right as it can do.
The TT is the pinnacle for me and while it might only be a couple weeks of the year, it takes a lot of sacrifices and hard work all year round to get to a level that allows us to keep pushing and pushing.”
He went onto add:
“Now feels like the time to take a break from that cycle and start a new chapter in life, but Ben knows I’ll always be there in any way I can to keep the Birchall name on top.
The list of people to thank is too long, but I’d like to give a special mention to the marshals and the medics, and the amazing TT fans that have made racing on the Island so special for me over the years.
It’s been a real privilege and an honour. I’ll always love it and I’ll be there in 2024, either as part of the team or with a beer on the side of the road cheering Ben on.”
His elder sibling (B.Birchall) issued nothing but praise when commenting about his long-term three-wheeling team-mate:
“I can only thank him for what he’s done. Racing together has been our way of life for so long now that, in a way, you take it for granted.
It’s only now that Tom’s decided to step away that I’ve been able to appreciate what an incredible career he’s had.”
Whilst one era has ended another will soon be beginning for driver Birchall (Ben), who will have a new, still to be announced sidekick for the Sidecar encounters of TT 2024.
He continued:
“It will feel totally different and take time to get used to competing without him, but I’m still totally committed to racing and so it’s the start of a new and exciting chapter.
It genuinely has been a journey, racing all around the world plus all the development of the bikes that people won’t see, too.
None of it would have been possible without Tom. We’ve made history and to have done that with my brother has just made it even more special.”
Quotes courtesy of TT Races press team
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
