Isle of Man TT organisers have published the first part of its report on the future of the sidecars at the event.

The sidecar class was suspended during this year’s meeting due to safety concerns after a red-flag incident involving Manx brothers Ryan and Callum Crowe during qualifying.

The review was launched in the wake of the incident to consider the long-term sustainability of sidecar racing at the TT.

Race bosses say the review, which brought together a broad range of evidence including more than 460 public submissions, aims to examine the class across a range of factors including safety, technical development, sporting health, participation, affordability and governance.

The first-stage report concludes that there remains strong support for retaining sidecar racing as part of the TT but also finds broad agreement that the class cannot simply return in its previous form and that meaningful change will be required to ensure its long-term future.

The first part of the review also concludes that there is a credible pathway towards the continued inclusion of Sidecars at the TT through a phased programme of reform, news which will come as a major relief to fans of the class.

The report recommends that the next stage of work should focus on developing a practical package of measures capable of supporting a controlled return to competition, while continuing longer-term technical research to shape the future evolution of the class.

The proposed initial programme includes work around reducing overall performance, strengthening technical controls, improving chassis assurance, enhancing scrutineering and competitor standards, and refining the technical regulations.

Alongside this, a longer-term programme will examine areas including aerodynamics, chassis development and future technical concepts through evidence-led engineering work.

TT clerk of the course Gary Thompson said: 'The purpose of this review has never been to decide whether sidecars should simply return or disappear.

‘Our responsibility has been to understand the challenges facing the class and determine whether there is a credible and sustainable way forward.

ENORMOUS AFFECTION FOR SIDECARS

'The evidence gathered over recent weeks has been extensive and, importantly, remarkably consistent. There remains enormous affection for sidecar racing and recognition of its unique place within the TT.

'At the same time, there is broad acceptance that meaningful change is required if the class is to thrive into the future.

'This report does not represent the end of the process. It marks the end of the first stage.

'Our focus now turns to working with competitors, constructors, governing bodies and technical experts to develop an initial package of reforms that can be delivered within an appropriate timeframe, while continuing the longer-term engineering work that will shape the future direction of the class.'

The review recommends the establishment of a technical development group to take forward the next phase of work, supported by ongoing consultation with competitors, constructors, the Auto Cycle Union and the wider sidecar racing community.