Triple engines for TT sidecars in 2015

Isle of Man TT organisers have announced a major change to regulations for the sidecar class for 2015, with rules being extended to allow the addition of 675cc triple machines into the 600cc class. The move mirrors the Supersport class, where Gary Johnson won the opening race of TT 2014 on a triple engine Smiths’ Triumph.

Coming as an additional change to the rules after 2014, this year saw a return of open specification engines with tuning allowed, similar to the solo class. The return proved costly for a number of teams, however, with engines being blown by many of the front runners during practice and racing.

However, one team has already announced their return to the class with a Triumph-powered machine, as former winner Nick Crowe looks set to bring the English manufacturer to the class with a to-be-decided driver and passenger.

Crowe, who was forced to retire after life changing injuries sustained during the 2009 event, said: “We spoke with both Smiths Triumph and their engine builder, and they’re going to build some motors for us to start putting together a chassis. You only have to look at the speed of Gary’s bike – that says it all.”