TT sidecar class suspended on safety grounds

Sidecar racing at the Isle of Man TT has been suspended for the remainder of the 2026 event on safety grounds following a crash during the third qualifying session.

Organisers said the move was a "precautionary measure" following an "immediate technical and operational review" of the crash on Wednesday evening.

The suspension had been "implemented in the interests of competitor and spectator safety" and reflected the organisation's "commitment to reviewing all aspects of event safety and operational delivery" following any incidents.

Organisers have not named the team involved, however Wednesday evening's session was red flagged following a crash involving Ryan and Callum Crowe at Crosby Leap.

In a statement, they said the technical and operational review had been to "assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and the continued participation of the sidecar class at the event".

All sidecar competitors and teams had been briefed by race officials "on the outcome of the initial review and the next stages of the assessment process", they continued.

"We recognise the long-standing history of sidecar racing at the TT, together with the commitment of the competitors, teams and supporters involved in the class."

"This decision has not been taken lightly. However, the safety of competitors, spectators, marshals, officials and all those involved in the event must remain the priority."

Wednesday evening's session was red flagged at about 20:20 BST following the Crowe brothers' crash, with the remainder of the session cancelled.

Both Ryan and Callum Crowe were taken to Noble's Hospital after the crash.

In a post on social media, their father - former TT sidecar champion Nick Crowe - said they were both being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The incident at Crosby Leap marked the second time the sidecar qualifying was cut short during the 2026 event due to a red flag incident.

Maria Costello and her passenger Shaun Parker were injured in a crash at Brandish near the end of the session on Tuesday evening.

Costello has been transferred to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool for treatment, while Parker is receiving treatment at Noble's Hospital on the Isle of Man.

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