Record-breaking Sidecar TT competitor Tom Birchall has announced he is to retire from motorcycle racing with immediate effect.

One of the discipline’s most decorated figures - both on the roads and in short circuit competition - Tom Birchall is best known for his multiple race-winning exploits on the Isle of Man TT in his role as passenger alongside his brother, Ben Birchall.

Since turning their first laps of the Mountain Course in 2009, the Birchalls have gone on to notch up a total of 14 victories, a dominant streak that has seen them win each race they have finished since 2013.

In that time, the pair have set multiple lap records around the 37-mile Manx course, with their 120.645mph effort set during this year’s TT the current benchmark as the first Sidecar lap to exceed the magic 120mph barrier.

“It’s not been an easy decision to make by any means, but it’s now 20 years since I first got in an outfit alongside Ben and it’s 10 years since we took our first TT win, something we dreamt about as kids when we used to come on family holidays to watch. 

“And so having achieved what we have and having broken that 120mph barrier this year, the timing feels as right as it can do.”

“The TT is the pinnacle for me and while it might only be a couple weeks of the year, it takes a lot of sacrifices and hard work all year round to get to a level that allows us to keep pushing and pushing.”

Their success hasn’t just been limited to road racing, either, with Tom and Ben Birchall also title-winners in both the Sidecar World and British Championships.

However, Birchall says he feels the time has come for him to appreciate the action from the sidelines and throw his support behind his brother, who has confirmed he will continue racing into 2024.

“Now feels like the time to take a break from that cycle and start a new chapter in life, but Ben knows I’ll always be there in any way I can to keep the Birchall name on top.”

“The list of people to thank is too long, but I’d like to give a special mention to the marshals and the medics, and the amazing TT fans that have made racing on the Island so special for me over the years. It’s been a real privilege and an honour. 

“I’ll always love it and I’ll be there in 2024, either as part of the team or with a beer on the side of the road cheering Ben on.”