Classic Sidecar Racing to Debut at Southern 100 After Modern Class Suspension

Classic sidecar racing will make its return at next month's Southern 100 road races, following the suspension of the modern sidecar class due to safety concerns. This decision affects the Isle of Man's Billow Course event, which has seen the modern class halted after a review of a crash that occurred during qualifying at this year's TT.

Organizers have indicated that the classic sidecars are "entirely unaffected by the current regulatory pause" and will be governed by separate technical rules. As a result of the "incredible generosity of a private benefactor," there will be no entry fees for participating teams.

The Southern 100 road races are scheduled to take place from July 6 to July 9 on the 4.25-mile (6.8km) Billown Course, where classic sidecar machines last raced during the Pre-TT Classic events in late May. The proposed classic races will adhere strictly to the established regulations from those earlier races.

Giles Olley, the clerk of the course, expressed disappointment over the suspension of the modern sidecar class but emphasized the need to "look forward." He described the introduction of classic races as "a fantastic solution" stemming from discussions within the paddock. Olley also welcomed newcomers to the event, stating, "if the teams enter and we can build a viable grid, the races will go ahead."

This initiative reflects a commitment to keeping the spirit of sidecar racing alive on the Isle of Man, despite the challenges faced by modern competitors.