2023 NI Sidecar Racing Cancelled :

With the news that motorcycle racing events in Northern Ireland were saved last week with a new insurance quote and a sizeable and generous donation from a local business it has now come to light that Northern Irish Sidecar Racing was not included in that package.

This was brought into the public domain through Social Media. A statement posted on Facebook just after 9pm on 16th March 2023 from the Irish Sidecar Club cited their side of the story.

Statement from Irish SideCar Club :

Following the news yesterday evening (14/03/22) that the Ulster Centre of the MCUI had secured an insurance policy for racing in Northern Ireland, we were informed this morning, from a third party, that the Ulster Centre insurance policy for 2023 does not in fact include Sidecar racing. 

This was not discussed or in fact even raised by the Ulster Centre at any of the many meeting that were held with its affiliated clubs to try find a resolution to the insurance issues, meetings that The Irish Sidecar Club, as a paid up affiliated club of the Ulster Centre, had representation at each and every one of. The way that The Irish Sidecar Club, it’s members and competitors, the many many followers, supporters and lovers of sidecars in this country have been treated by the Ulster Centre is unexceptional, unfair and wholly unprofessional. The Irish Sidecar Club has every intention to do EVERYTHING in its power to get this matter resolved and to receive the same fair play as every other class. 

Although we have STILL not been notified officially, we believe the situation as it stands is that the Ulster Sidecar Championship will not go ahead over the four rounds as previously planned and discussed. We have requested an urgent meeting with the ulster centre management as soon as possible 

Many decent motorsport supporters generously donated to the Ulster Centres “go fund me” page in good faith and under the impression that all classes would go ahead as planned and racing would continue in the same fashion as it did in 2022. It is dishonest and disrespectful that these genuine fans have been mislead in such a way and in fact cheated out of their money when there was no mention of dropping one of the most entertaining and loved classes from the race calendar. 

The Irish Sidecar Club, along with its colleagues in The Irish sidecar And Motorcycle Supporters Club will continue to do everything that it can to get sidecar racing back on track in 2023 and your continued support is greatly appreciated. 

Yours in sport,

The Irish Sidecar Club.

On the 18th March 2023 the MCUI(UC) Chairman posted a posted a personal statement on the issue :

Following this reply from the MCUI(UC) Chairman a open letter has been penned by Boris Stroud and shared by the Irish Sidecar Club.

Open Letter To Mr Dillon

As you say Mr Dillon ,’’ you sympathise with 3/4 of the UC sidecar teams affected. So let me jump in here to render some common sense.’’

Unfortunately, that singular word doesn’t compensate for loss of investment or planning or the facts many hours over the winter has been spent in preparation for many sidecar teams both in Ireland and mainland UK.

You and the, board of directors are urged to reconsider this, as from where we all many stand little consideration has been give and or systematically seek consultation with the sidecar community.

Yet the doors open, lets get talking .

Granted the solos have gained momentum and saved by the skin of the sidecar racers who all may, I add sought to and have planted funds in the ‘’go fund me’’ organisation to allow this to progress and save the racing.

From a racing perspective Tarmac and roads short circuit, have equal levels of risk, one greater than the other. Regardless its racing and we are all here to be ambassadors to our sport, solo or sidecar.

So with all that said firstly as a stance of free speech, be transparent and allow our sidecar racers a greater understanding. Sadly, it is thoughtlessness that has pushed this onto social media.

We all deservedly seek answers clear cut and decisive, it is as simple as that but it is completely unacceptable to sit and consider, that you alone have ‘’cart blanch’’ to render all our sidecars ‘’ garage queens’’. Let alone dismiss the value that sidecar brings to not just sidecar racing but the whole community. Has any consideration been given to the revenue streams, and benefit to the racing and local economy impacts, the thousands of pounds and euros invested by teams.

I for one, had invested heavily to come and race in Ireland this year and to meet with many of the sidecar teams that keep our team sport alive.

So please explain what the financial uplift is to have sidecar included in the insurance , after all as member and Chairman and a board of directors member your organisation is tasked with fairness and care of the community.

As disappointing as it may be, I am sure I don’t have to point out by your own admission, that seeking the open letter states clearly you land firmly at the feet of the sidecar community globally . Not so.

Embarrassment in my view, I agree but in the failings of the organisation and I am only one person, this is the failings of your organisation to enter into meaningful dialogue to support a whole section and segment of the racing community and to seek a practical solution moving forwards.

We have all endured the Pandemic, this is a further kick in the sidecar community and promoters that struggles to keep our exhilarating sport alive,

I make not making any accusations but pick up on your admissions alone , please reach out to me and lets look at a constructive process that gives both understanding and a practical way forward with both insurance and that of our sidecar community.

I am very easy to get a hold of, and I am sure many of the sidecar lads can facility my PM , or Email or Phone Number.

Please all share, lets get talking and sort this matter for the better and good of our racing community.

Boris.

This is a developing story and hopefully one that finds a resolution so that the Northern Irish sidecar events can run. Further posts and updates will be made as soon as they become available.

If you would like to read how this story developed from the announcement of the cancellation of all 2023 Northern Irish Motorcycling Events to the point were all events (with this now know exception of the sidecar events) were back on you can find a detailed post here.