JOHN HOLDEN HOPES TO MAKE HISTORY ON TT RETURN WITH PHIL HYDE
Twice race winner John Holden will return to the Isle of Man TT Sidecar Race programme later this year, partnering experienced passenger Phil Hyde aboard Carl Cox Motorsport DMR Yamaha. The Blackburn driver, victorious in 2011 and 2016, will contest both three-lap Sidecar TT Races, bringing vast experience to a grid that also includes his son, George Holden.
Holden made his TT debut in 1988, taking fourth in the 350cc Formula Two class, before establishing himself as one of the most consistent sidecar drivers in the field. In 51 race starts, his record stands at two wins, 22 podiums and 39 top-ten finishes. His fastest lap of 117.878mph, set in 2018, ranks him fourth fastest driver of all time. Only Dave Molyneux, with 31 podiums, has stood on the rostrum more often.
After missing the 2025 event, Holden admitted the absence was difficult. While proud to watch George compete, he described it as “miserable” not to be riding himself. Encouraged by his wife Fiona, he elected to return for 2026, motivated by unfinished business and the desire to compete at the front once more.
Passenger Phil Hyde also brings significant Mountain Course experience. Since his TT debut in 2013, he has secured multiple top-ten finishes, including three fifth places alongside Gary Bryan, and has lapped in excess of 113mph. The Holden-Hyde combination unites two highly experienced competitors who have consistently delivered strong results despite often competing against outfits with greater horsepower.
Twice race winner John Holden and passenger Phil Hyde.
Holden’s longevity spans five decades of TT competition. His 12 podium finishes with Andrew Winkle between 2006 and 2016 included his two victories, while a later partnership with Lee Cain yielded six consecutive runner-up finishes. His most recent podium came in 2023, marking his 22nd career rostrum.
John Holden said: “We’re here to challenge people’s expectations and hopefully make history. Beating George would be a tall order, but I do have the experience over him. Phil and I have a lot of laps between us, and we’ve proved before that you can be competitive without having the most horsepower.”
“There is nothing like the TT. Fiona encouraged me to come back, and I’m also really looking forward to doing a parade lap with her, that will be very special, especially as she has unfinished business from 2018.”
Phil Hyde added: “I’ve missed the TT enormously. When John asked me to join him, I didn’t hesitate. We both know what’s required around the Mountain Course to put a good lap together.”
"Phil and I have a lot of laps between us" - John Holden
The 2026 campaign carries added significance, with father and son set to compete on the same grid. For John, age is just a number, the objective is clear; defy expectations and pursue further success on the world’s most demanding road racing circuit.
