Southern 100 Club Statement: Classic Sidecars at Southern 100 2026

Following the difficult but necessary decision to suspend the modern Sidecar class from the 2026 Southern 100 Races on safety grounds, the Southern 100 Club is delighted to announce an exciting new contingency plan aimed at ensuring three-wheeled racing remains a core part of this July’s event.

In collaboration with competitors and technical officials, the Club is actively working to introduce a Classic Sidecar class to the main July programme.

The proposed races will run strictly under the established Pre-TT Classic Road Races technical regulations. Because these traditional machines do not utilise the complex prototype aerodynamic features or flat-floor designs of their modern counterparts, they are entirely unaffected by the current regulatory pause affecting the modern class.

In an extraordinary show of support for the event and the road racing community, an anonymous benefactor has generously offered to fully fund the entry fees for all Classic Sidecar teams who enter and attend the 2026 Southern 100.

Clerk of the Course, Giles Olley, commented:

“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.”

The Southern 100 Club is now issuing an urgent appeal to all Classic Sidecar competitors across the UK, Ireland, and further afield. This is a unique opportunity to race on the iconic Motor Isle Billown Course, in front of the legendary Southern 100 crowds.

This initiative is strictly dependent on grid numbers. Interested teams and competitors are urged to contact the Race Office immediately to register their interest and secure their entry. Further logistical details and entry forms will be made available via the official Southern 100 website and channels in the coming days.

The Club also wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the long-term future of the modern sidecar class. We welcome the recent constructive insights from legendary chassis designer Louis Christen regarding the need for a collaborative regulatory review. The Southern 100 Club intends to be fully involved in that upcoming consultation alongside the ACU and industry experts to ensure modern sidecars can return to the Billown Course safely in 2027.

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©Words/Images above are from an official press release posted courtesy Southern 100 Road Races

For more Southern 100 Road Races news head to our dedicated page: Southern 100 Road Races News Home Page

or head to the official Southern 100 Road Races website https://southern100.com/

What are the Southern 100 Road Races

The Isle of Man, famous as the ‘mecca of motorcycle road racing’ has since 1955 hosted a mass-start road race every July, The Southern 100 Road Races, so called as the feature race of the event was held over a race distance of 100 miles – 24 laps of the 4.25-mile Billown Course.

Over the years since 1955 the Billown Course has become as familiar as the back of the hand to the riders who have graced the ribbon of road that makes up the Southern 100 Course, based on the outskirts of Castletown.

Future British and indeed World Champions have raced around the undulating and technical course as they have headed for the chequered flag.

For over 65 years the races on the Billown Course have drawn fans and riders to experience the unique atmosphere of the …

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