By Due to long-term top Sidecar tyre manufacturer supplier, Avon Tyres ending tyre production post the finalisation of this year, a new company, America based Hoosier Racing Tires is taking on the helm of developing tyres for the three-wheeling TT fraternity.
With this major change beckoning for the TT Races of 2024, organisers have made the decision to hold Sidecar TT tyre test sessions (four-laps in total) at the 100th Anniversary Manx Grand Prix.
The all-conquering Birchall brothers Ben Birchall/Tom Birchall, 17 times TT winner Dave Molyneux, eight times World Champion Tim Reeves, Ryan Crowe/Callum Crowe are all anticipated to take part in this disclosed initiative.
TT Races Technical Director, Dave Hagen stated today his thoughts on the aforementioned:
“It’s unfortunate that such a tried, tested and trusted product is no longer going to be available for the sidecars to use, but as was the case with the introduction of slick tyres for all the solo classes this year, a commercial decision has been made by a manufacturer and so we have to move on and adapt.
It’s more difficult in this situation as the outgoing manufacturer was the only tyre available, and so a lot of hard work has gone in to finding another brand to take on the challenge and to develop a replacement product.”
He continued:
“There’s an argument to say this is the time to engage with a manufacturer and look to introduce a control tyre but the technical team and the leading competitors are of the opinion that closing the door to other manufacturers would deter them from developing other products, meaning we could end up in a similar situation further down the line.
There’s no denying that it’s a big change for the class and it’s vital that the new tyres are up to the rigours of the TT Course.
So, we’ve worked with Gary Thompson (TT Clerk of the Course) and a number of teams on a testing plan which will
take place at the 2023 Manx Grand Prix in preparation for TT 2024.”
Quotes courtesy of TT Races press team
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
