Imagine a roar. Imagine the smell of high-octane fuel. This is the Southern 100 start line.
The Southern 100 start line marks the beginning of a thrilling race. This race is unique to the Isle of Man. It is a mass-start road racing event. Participants compete around the Billown Circuit.
The Southern 100 is held every July. Locals call it ‘The Friendly Races’. This is in comparison to the TT Races and the Manx Grand Prix.
The first Southern 100 was in July 1955. The Southern Motorcycle Club decided the south should have its own race. This followed Derek Ennett’s, George Costain’s, and Sid Mizen’s success in the 1954 Manx Grand Prix.
Meetings to plan the Southern 100 launch occurred in Castletown’s Station Hotel. It is now The Viking. The Ennett family lived there. George Costain and Joe Mylchreest measured the circuit. They used the official ‘chain’ measure of 22 yards. They walked the course. They measured the road’s centre line. The total distance was 4.25 miles. It remains the same today.
In 1981, Southern 100 Racing took over the event organization. The event has grown to encompass a legendary reputation. What else would you expect on the Road Racing Capital of the World?
Tickets can be purchased from the Southern 100 Official Website. You can buy tickets for four different stands.
The Start/Finish Line Grandstand lets you see who crosses the line first. The School Hill Grandstand allows you to catch the action from the last corner. The Nicholson Grandstand is covered. It protects you from the elements. The Colas Iron Gate Grandstand offers a great view. It is at the end of the Ballakeighan Straight. This is a fast right turn. It is followed by a fast left onto Ballanoris.
The 4.25-mile Billown Circuit has multiple vantage points. Each location offers different facilities.
The Start/Finish Line Grandstand has refreshments and limited parking. School Hill Grandstand offers refreshments, toilets and limited parking. The Nicholson Grandstand has refreshments, toilets and a merchandise shop. The Colas Iron Gate Grandstand is another option.
The Isle of Man is famous as the ‘mecca of motorcycle road racing’. Since 1955, it has hosted a mass-start road race every July. The Southern 100 Road Races got their name because the feature race was 100 miles. That’s 24 laps of the 4.25-mile Billown Course.
Over the years, the Billown Course has become familiar to riders. It is based on the outskirts of Castletown. Future British and World Champions have raced here. They all headed for the chequered flag.
The Pre-TT Classic Road Races were added in 1988. The Post TT Road Races followed in 1991. For over 65 years, fans and riders have come to experience the Southern 100.
This start line has seen legends born. It has witnessed triumphs and tragedies. As the engines roar, remember the history. Remember the passion. Remember the Southern 100.