Sidecars to undergo TT tyre test at Manx Grand Prix

Manufacturing changes will affect the class from next year

Several Sidecar TT teams will undertake tyre tests at this year's Manx Grand Prix ahead of manufacturing changes to the class from next year.

It follows the announcement that Avon Tyres - which produces tyres for the majority of outfits in the three-wheel class - are ceasing production at the end of 2023 after 119 years of operation.

Hoosier Racing Tires are now developing a compound for the sidecars after TT organisers held talks with numerous manufacturers.

Four sidecar teams - Ben & Tom Birchall; Ryan & Callum Crowe, Tim Reeves and Dave Molyneux - will do four laps during this year's MGP with the new tyres to undergo visual, thermal and pressure inspections.

Isle of Man TT Races Technical Director, David Hagen, says it's 'more difficult in this situation as the outgoing manufacturer was the only tyre available', adding 'a lot of hard work has gone into finding another brand to take on the challenge'.

Mr Hagen also believes it'll be a 'big change' for the sidecar class and it's 'vital that the new tyres are up to the rigours of the TT course.'