Southern 100 planning to run classic sidecars for 2026

It's after modern machines were excluded from July event

The Southern 100 Road Races is going to welcome classic sidecars to the 2026 event next month.

It comes after modern three-wheeled machines were excluded from the Billown Course meeting in July and from TT 2026.

You can find out more HERE.

The club has described the decision as a ‘contingency plan’ aimed at ensuring three-wheeled racing remains a ‘core’ part of the event. 

The proposed races will run strictly under the established Pre-TT Classic Road Races technical regulations. 

Traditional machines do not utilise the complex prototype aerodynamic features or flat-floor designs of their modern counterparts.

This means they are entirely unaffected by the current regulatory pause affecting the modern class.

An anonymous benefactor has offered to fully fund the entry fees for all Classic Sidecar teams who enter and attend the 2026 Southern 100.

'The races will go ahead'

“The message from the club is clear: if the teams enter and we can build a viable grid, the races will go ahead." - Giles Olley (Clerk of the Course)

Clerk of the Course Giles Olley said: “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."

He spoke to Manx Radio:

'Commitment'

The Southern 100 Club is now issuing an urgent appeal to all classic sidecar competitors across the UK, Ireland, and further afield. 

This initiative is strictly dependent on grid numbers. 

Interested teams and competitors are urged 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 says it also wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the long-term future of the modern sidecar class.

It adds it wants to be ‘fully involved’ in an upcoming consultation, alongside the ACU and industry experts, to ensure modern sidecars can return to the Billown Course safely in 2027.