By More unwelcome news unfortunately for three wheeling, roads scene competitors after the disappointment of TT 2026.
Southern 100 organisers have taken the decision, to omit Sidecars from the latest event edition next month.
A statement issued by the Southern 100 Club, outlined the reasons behind this:
“Following a comprehensive consultation process regarding the inclusion of the Sidecar class at the 2026 Southern 100 Races, the Southern 100 Club has taken the difficult decision to exclude the Sidecar class from this year’s event.
Following the recent decision by the Isle of Man TT Races to suspend the class for 2026, the Clerk of the Course and Senior Technical Officials have spent the last week evaluating whether safe, robust, and enforceable regulatory modifications could be introduced via an event bulletin for the Billown Course.
Input from the ACU Compliance structure and leading competitors highlighted that the complex aerodynamic and technical questions currently facing the prototype class cannot be responsibly resolved within the short five-week time-frame available before our event.”
The statement continued adding that it-is-hoped Sidecars will grace the Motor Isle Billown Course again in 2027.
“As a Club, our absolute priority must always be the safety of our competitors, marshals, officials, and spectators.
In light of the current uncertainties surrounding the stability of modern sidecar designs under certain racing conditions, the Club believes that running the class without a definitive, expert-led technical review would introduce an unacceptable level of risk.
The Southern 100 Club is deeply saddened to have to make this decision. Sidecars have been an integral, spectacular part of the “Friendly Races” for decades, and we share the profound disappointment that will be felt by the teams, drivers, passengers, and fans.
However, this is a temporary pause to safeguard the long-term future of the category. The Southern 100 Club remains fully committed to sidecar racing and will actively participate in the upcoming wider consultation process alongside the TT organiser, promoter and industry experts to ensure the class can return to the Billown Course safely in 2027.”
News Update:
A yesteryear, classic Sidecars race is now potentially on the cards at Billown, albeit this depends on suitable entry numbers.
Giles Olley, Motor Isle Billown – Clerk of The Course, reaction to the news:
“We were deeply saddened to have to pause the modern sidecar class this year, but as organisers, we must look forward. The idea to bring the Classics into the July event came directly from discussions within the paddock and it is a fantastic solution.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of a private benefactor covering all entry fees, we are removing the financial barrier for teams.
The message from the Club is clear: if the teams enter and we can build a viable grid, the races will go ahead. Newcomers to the event especially are very welcome.”
Statement, quotes courtesy of Southern 100 media team.
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
