Ben Birchall, a 14-time Sidecar TT champion, is leaving his three-wheeled vehicle behind and taking up a motorcycle at the Classic TT, taking place from August 16-28, 2026. Birchall will compete as a solo racer in the Historic Junior class of the event.
Harrison, Dunlop and Hickman are also on the list of applicants.
Alongside Birchall, Dean Harrison, one of the most in-form players of late, is high on the shortlist. Other TT stars who have made it onto the list include Michael Dunlop MBE, John McGuinness MBE, Peter Hickman, Jamie Coward, and Davey Todd. Todd missed a large part of the season due to an accident at the Daytona 200 in March; he needs to complete his recovery to be ready for the Classic TT.
Peter Hickman returns to the Classic TT after his strong performance at the Southern 100 this season. Hickman's only previous participation in this event dates back to 2015; meaning he will be returning to the Mountain Course after a full 11-year break. Michael Rutter also returns to the Mountain Course race, which he missed last year due to injury.
Two new classes in 2026: Ultra-Lightweight and Junior 600
Classic TT 2026 will feature six separate classes; Ultra-Lightweight and Junior 600 classes are included in the program for the first time this year. 125cc machines have also been included in the Ultra-Lightweight class; Don Gilbert, German newcomer Chris Meyer, Tiziano Rosati and Tom Snow have registered in this category.
The Junior 600cc race will bring the popular mid-size machines of the nineties to the track; over 60 applications have been received, including the Honda CBR600 and Yamaha YZF-R6. Michael Dunlop, Davey Todd, Marcus Simpson, and Anderson are among those entering this class.
In the Historic Senior class, Dunlop, Harrison, last year's winner Browne, McGuinness, Todd, Coward, Conor Cummins, and Derek McGee will compete. McGee will be competing on the Mountain Course for the first time since 2019.
The F1 class includes foreign drivers such as Stefano Bonetti, Amalric Blanc, Julian Trummer, David Datzer, Timothee Monot, Maurizio Bottalico, Michal Dokoupil, and Horst Saiger.
Program and final race
The Manx Grand Prix qualifying sessions begin on Sunday, August 16th at 1:30 PM. Classic TT practice sessions will open with introductory laps on August 17th and 18th, followed by the first full practice session on August 19th. The event will conclude with the four-lap Senior Classic TT race on Friday, August 28th at 1:00 PM. Formula One and Lightweight cars will be eligible to compete in this finale; the 60 fastest drivers will qualify for the Senior Classic TT.