Some confirm they currently don't plan to attend next year's races
A sidecar team has raised concerns about upcoming changes to the class at the Isle of Man TT Races whilst others have confirmed they currently don't plan to attend next year's event.
In a lengthy statement, Team ARC/Crawford Racing says it doesn't plan to compete in next year's meeting and has worries about the 'significant' changes to technical regulations for sidecars and the transition time available to crews to make alterations.
Furthermore, whilst Team ARC adds it's not opposed to evolving and improving sidecar racing at the TT, it believes 'meaningful change must involve the people who compete, invest and contribute to that future.'
After the three-wheeled class was suspended during this year's races over safety concerns, TT organisers announced in September plans to bring back the class with changes for 2027 following a sustainability review.
Among the alterations were a switch from 600cc Supersport engines to Sportbike power units as well as revised guidance around bodywork and changes to the race and qualifying format as part of a three-year commitment up to and including 2029.
Elsewhere, other sidecar teams have announced that they're not currently intending to compete at TT 2027.
Among those is Gibson Racing which, in an update, says they 'can't justify or afford another engine change, especially with all the additional modifications that would come with it' having already committed to specific direction for next year.
Meanwhile, driver, Michael Russell is another who intends to be absent, commenting that the planned sportbike regulations are 'way outside my financial remit' adding he believes, in his opinion, the new rules are 'not a cost effective solution for the sport.'
Manx Radio has contacted the Isle of Man Government Department for Enterprise for comment.
You can also read the full Team ARC | Crawford Racing statement below:
"We recognise that consultation has taken place regarding the future of the regulations. However, the direction now being implemented, specifically the move to a BSB Sportbike-derived engine formula and controlled electronics package, was neither explored as a proposed direction during that consultation nor recommended by any competitor, to our understanding.
"The decision represents a fundamental departure from the established technical formula under which existing competitors have invested considerable time, expertise and financial resources.
"The removal of the existing 600cc engine formula, combined with the introduction of homologated engine platforms, controlled electronics, prescribed wiring architecture and associated restrictions, has potentially far-reaching consequences for established teams.
"This is not simply a change of engine. It potentially requires substantial redesign and replacement of existing engine installations, exhaust systems, airboxes, engine mounts, electronics and associated components.
"We are also concerned about the immediate implementation of these regulations and the absence of a reasonable transition period for competitors who have invested in machinery built around the existing rules.
"Of particular interest is the approach being taken by other major road-racing events. The Southern 100, for example, is prepared to continue with the established 2025 technical regulations, incorporating relatively minor amendments primarily relating to safety.
"This demonstrates that the existing formula can continue to provide a basis for competitive sidecar racing while allowing appropriate safety improvements.
"We therefore believe there are legitimate questions that need to be answered:
* What consideration has been given to the financial implications for existing teams?
* Why has no reasonable transition period been provided?
* What consideration has been given to maintaining consistency across the major road-racing championships?
* What representation have existing competitors had in the final decision-making process?
"However, meaningful change must involve the people who compete, invest and contribute to that future.
"We believe competitors deserve transparency, meaningful representation and an opportunity to have their concerns properly considered before fundamental changes of this magnitude are imposed.
"We respectfully call upon the organisers to reconsider the immediate implementation of these regulations and engage in further meaningful discussions with the existing competitors and teams.
"The future of sidecar racing should be developed with its competitors, not simply decided for them.
"For Clarification and Transparency Purposes we will not be Competing at the event or participating in any of the changes that are required to compete in the event , but we are Working together with the Southern 100 to help find and support a sustainable path for the future.
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