Tom Birchall Shock Retirement

This has come as a great shock, Tom Birchall has announced his retirement from racing, the two brothers had been an exceptionally strong combination. I have felt it a real privilege to watch them race over the years, he will be sorely missed by all from the racing community and fans. The following link gives a little more detail.
Tom Birchall announces immediate retirement from racing - Manx Radio

 

It will be interesting to see who he chooses as his next passenger, if it is someone already experienced on the course then I predict more success on the top step. Reigning world sidecar champions Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement will make their Isle of Man TT debut in 2024, they were also the 2023 British sidecar champions, having notched up 15 Grand Prix victories and 38 podiums over the past three seasons. The pair first competed together in the 2021 season, securing their first world championship title the following year.
Todd Ellis said there would be a lot of learning to be done, competing at the TT had been on his mind for a number of years after visiting the island for the past two decades with his step-father Gary Bryan, who is a long-term competitor in the event. New blood in the sidecar class on the TT course is essential for it to survive long term. The MGP are also looking at the feasibility of introducing a sidecar class for those that hold a national licence, interesting times if it does come off.

 

Well Tom Birchall has announced who his passenger will be for this years TT, see the link for announcement, I had not realised that during the few laps of tyre testing at the MGP 2023 that it was not Ben in the chair, mind you the speed he came past it would have been difficult to see, as I was watching from Sulby Glenn.
Isle of Man TT Races© - New Era As Rousseau Joins Birchall (iomttraces.com)

 

It was Kevin Rousseau in the chair, he has also partnered Tim Reeves so no stranger to the TT, it will be interesting to see how quick the pairing get up to race pace, I think we will see another 120 lap come race week, possibly on the Wednesday. On an aside Hutchy will be racing for Clive Padgett on Honda's and Davey Todd racing for TAS Racing and the Milwaukee BMW team, Rory Skinner will concentrate on the BSB Superbike rounds, Davey will complete the Superstock BSB rounds. Dean racing for Honda UK will be a real force and take it to Hicky, plus lots of other rider and team switches, and new medical assessments for all competitors, including Psychological and physical, more drug and alcohol testing for riders and sidecar passengers. The insurance costs for running the IOM Road Races are eye watering, 1M for the TT and Irish Road Racing events, so I guess it has to adapt.