Alice Smith is a British sidecar racer making waves in the traditionally male-dominated world of Isle of Man TT racing as part of the first all-female sidecar team to compete at the event.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up, Smith wasn’t exactly plotting her path to becoming a sidecar passenger hurtling around the Isle of Man at death-defying speeds. But motorsport has a funny way of finding people, and for her, it found her through connections in the racing community. Before she became known for clinging to the side of a machine doing over 100 mph on public roads, she built a foundation that would serve her well in one of the most physically demanding roles in racing.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not throwing herself around a sidecar platform, Smith keeps herself busy with pursuits that require their own kind of endurance and mental fortitude. She’s an avid mountain biker, which makes sense—if you’re comfortable navigating technical terrain on two wheels at speed, the leap to three wheels at terrifying speeds isn’t quite as unhinged as it sounds. The core strength, balance, and fearlessness required for aggressive mountain biking translate surprisingly well to being a sidecar passenger, where you’re essentially human ballast with a death wish.

EARLY SUCCESS

Smith’s entry into sidecar racing was anything but conventional. She connected with driver Lucy Costello, and together they formed something that had never existed before in the 117-year history of the Isle of Man TT: an all-female sidecar team. The partnership wasn’t just symbolic—it was serious business. After training and preparation, they made their debut at the 2023 Pre-TT Classic races, where Smith got her first taste of what it means to be a passenger on the Mountain Course. It’s one thing to say you’re going to race sidecars at the TT; it’s another to actually survive the first lap and come back for more. She did both[1].

The team returned for more Pre-TT Classic action, continuing to build experience on one of the most dangerous race circuits in the world. For Smith, every lap was a masterclass in commitment—the passenger’s job is to shift body weight at precisely the right moments, to trust the driver implicitly, and to never, ever hesitate. Hesitation gets you killed. She learned fast.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2023: Competed in Pre-TT Classic races as passenger to Lucy Costello, marking the first all-female sidecar team to race on the Isle of Man[2].
• 2025: Announced as Lucy Costello’s passenger for TT 2025, becoming part of the first all-female sidecar team to compete in the main Isle of Man TT races[3].

INSPIRATIONS

Information about Smith’s specific inspirations wasn’t available in the research provided, but it’s safe to say that anyone willing to become a sidecar passenger at the TT is inspired by something a little left of center. The role requires a unique combination of bravery, trust, and a healthy disregard for self-preservation—qualities that don’t come from nowhere.

REPUTATION

Smith has quickly earned respect in the sidecar racing community, not just for being part of a groundbreaking team, but for her commitment and ability. Being “the first” comes with immense pressure—every move is scrutinized, every mistake magnified, every success held up as proof of concept or dismissed as a fluke. She and Costello have handled that pressure with grace and grit, proving that gender has nothing to do with talent when you’re brave enough to climb into a sidecar outfit and attack the Mountain Course. The racing world is watching, and Smith is showing them exactly what she’s made of: steel and stubbornness in equal measure[4].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Looking ahead to TT 2025 and beyond, Smith’s goals are clear: continue building experience, continue pushing boundaries, and continue proving that all-female teams belong at the highest levels of sidecar racing. The 2025 Isle of Man TT represents a massive milestone—competing in the main event rather than just the Pre-TT Classic is a significant step up in both prestige and danger. For Smith and Costello, it’s an opportunity to cement their place in TT history and inspire the next generation of female racers who think sidecars might be their calling. The plan is simple: keep racing, keep improving, and keep making history one terrifying lap at a time[5].

References:

2023 Pre-TT Classic Road Races Round Up
Pre-TT Classic Races Sunday’s Results
Costello and Smith Make New All-Female Sidecar Team for TT 2025
TT 2025: Costello and Smith Form New All-Female Sidecar Team
Costello TT 2025