By As previously reported by Road Racing News, TT 2022 will see a big shake up in the Sidecar TT regulations, with 900cc parallel twin cylinder powered outfits now allowed to take to the fabled, mythical Mountain Course.
The new regulations have been introduced to increase the diversity of three wheeling TT action, combining 600, 675cc outfits with the aforementioned twin cylinder machines, alongside looking to the future given the decreasing Supersport market.
For over 25 years 600 power has been the order of the day for Sidecar competitors and although the option is there to switch from running 600cc engines, expect various drivers/passengers to stick with 600 tackle for TT 2022.
One competitor who does look likely though to change is 17 times TT winner Dave Molyneux, who recently looked in formidable form at Jurby with his outfit that featured a KTM engine.
Other esteemed drivers are more circumspect, as shown in a report compiled late last year by Road Racing News.
Six times top ten TT finisher Phil Hyde commented via Facebook:
“Interesting one. I think they need to do something as the 600 4 cylinder choice is diminishing quickly. The choice of a 900 twin gives a few more options. Will it last a TT only time will tell.”
Multi TT rostrum finishers, the Founds brothers Alan & Pete respectively added the following:
“Personally, I’m not a fan of the proposed change as them engines would have so much more power than the current class.
If proven well then it will push everyone into buying that engine just to keep up with it and then it becomes another war of cash flow!
It also means that you would need two specs of engines, as the 900cc F2 is not recognised in any other British or world championships level event!”
“I’ve mixed views really, whilst I think it is important for the sport to move forward and look to diversify, particularly given the limited availability of 600cc engines that we face in the near future.
I also believe that if significant rule changes are to take place, such as one like this, then it should first be tested out in a manner or an environment that would allow the affects or differences to be quantified.
For me a top level domestic championship such as the British F2 Championship would fit the bill for this, but for this to happen, there does need to be more collaboration between the organisers of the top flight events and championships, so that the rules are consistent across all these meetings.
That said, It will be quite exciting to see how many people take on this option, as it could be a good alternative option for the sport.
But I think regardless of what engines are used, there needs to be better Control over the tuning and regulations for engines. For me, if you want close, exciting racing, make it standard engines and gearboxes all the way.”
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
