Sidecars have 'been my life' says Lambert

Greg Lambert says the news has been 'severe' for the sidecar community  

A sidecar competitor says it's gutting that three-wheelers won't be able to race 'in one of the world's most iconic road races'. 

Greg Lambert was reacting to the news that the Southern 100 organisers made yesterday (3 June) to exclude the class from the racing event on the Billown Course next month.

It follows a review which came after the TT decided to suspend sidecars for 2026 on the Snaefell Mountain Course. 

Greg, who has raced here for over three decades, says the news has been 'severe' for the sidecar community.

He adds it's a 'massive contribution' and effort to get to the Island to compete here.

Speaking on the races, the sidecar driver says the TT is all about lap records and speeds.

"Everybody as a racer is hot-blooded who wants to win so they are going to do everything in their power to have the fastest, lightest, quickest machine"

'Everything is about lightness'

Greg says nowadays sidecars are lighter with light riders on them but it's not necessarily the right thing to do on the roads.

"You need strong machinery with weight to make these bikes handle and not take off."

(Picture credit: Martyn Parnell)

He adds the Southern 100 Road Races is 'massive' for the sidecar riders.

"It's one of the best and biggest meetings in the world. It's the best-run meeting along with the TT."

While he could not reveal too much, Greg says he spoke to Southern 100 organisers yesterday and has put forward a feasible option to keep the machines on the grid, but now it's up to the club. 

Financial impacts

Greg says money plays a massive part ahead of coming to the Island to compete adding it's about 12 months of planning and saving for teams.

"We're all working-class people. We all go to work, and we save every penny. Life's hard enough now as it is to live and exist, never mind doing motorsport."

He adds that without the support of sponsors, a lot of riders wouldn't be able to come over and race. 

(Picture credit: Manx Radio)

Looking forward, Greg says teams and manufacturers need to look after the class to ensure its future. 

He says manufacturers need to go back to the vehicles to ensure it's a safer sport and insists now the focus has to be on keeping 'bums on seats and speeds down':

Speaking about fans and the general love for the class, Greg says it's been tremendous and through his school, he tries to encourage others to get into it - adding he has 'young blood' coming through.

"I've been advocating for the TT cos I want the sport to continue. I know how much I've enjoyed it for the last 30-odd years. It's not easy; it's very hard to do. It's a dedication, but there are those people who want to do it so we've got to look after the sport."

'It's been my life'

Reflecting on his passion for sidecars, he says it was ignited by his father:

You can listen to the full interview on Manx Newscast: