The Southern 100 is a unique event to the Isle of Man, a tantalising mass-start road racing event that sees participants competing around the infamous Billown Circuit. The event is held every July and is known locally as ‘The Friendly Races’, in comparison to its counterparts, the TT Races and the Manx Grand Prix.

We’ve put together a handy guide to keep you in the know about all things Southern 100 and how to make the most of this year’s event!

History

The very first Southern 100 was held in July 1955 after the historic Southern Motorcycle Club decided that the south should have its very own race. This came about as a result of members Derek Ennett, George Costain, and Sid Mizen being successful in the 1954 Manx Grand Prix.

Meetings to plan the launch of the Southern 100 were held in Castletown’s Station Hotel, now The Viking, which is where the Ennett family lived. Members of the first committee included George Costain and Joe Mylchreest, the men who measured the circuit using the official ‘chain’ measure of 22 yards by walking the course and measuring the centre line of the road! The total distance was 4.25 miles, the same as today.

In 1981 the organisation of the event was taken over by Southern 100 Racing and has grown to encompass a legendary reputation, what else would you expect on the Island that’s known as the Road Racing Capital of the World?

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased from the Southern 100 Official Website, here.

Tickets can be bought for four different stands:

• School Hill Grandstand allows you to catch the action from the last corner

• Start/Finish Line Grandstand lets you see who is first over the line 

• Nicholson Grandstand is covered to protect you from the elements 

• Colas Iron Gate Grandstand offers a great view at the end of the Ballakeighan Straight, a fast right turn, followed by a fast left onto Ballanoris

Tickets cost £5 per person on Monday and Tuesday, £10 per person on Wednesday, and £20 per person on Thursday.

Billown Circuit & Vantage Points

There are multiple vantage points around the 4.25 mile Billown Circuit, each location offering different facilities.

School Hill Grandstand: refreshments, toilets, and limited parking

Start/Finish Line Grandstand: refreshments and limited parking

Nicholson Grandstand: refreshments, toilets, and a merchandise shop

Colas Iron Gate Grandstand

Iron Gate: toilet and limited parking before roads close

Joey’s Gate: limited parking before roads close

Ballabeg Hairpin: refreshments and toilet

Cross Four-Ways: refreshments and toilet

Church Bends: refreshments, toilet, and limited parking before roads close

Stadium Bend: refreshments, toilet, and limited parking before roads close

What’s Nearby?

The south of the Island offers some of the most stunning scenery the Isle of Man has to offer, as well as a plethora of hotspots for visitors. Check out our recommendations for food, drink, attractions, and activities.

Food & Drink

• Kizuna

• Leonardo’s Restaurant

• The Garrison

• The George

• Shore Hotel

• Kellas

• Smoky Sam’s BBQ and Foraging Vintners  

• Byron’s

• Breagle Glen

• Port Erin Chippy & Diner

Attractions & Activities

• Castle Rushen

• Port Erin Beach

• Soaral

• Bradda Glen and Milner’s Tower

• Scarlett Discovery Centre & Nature Trail

• Cregneash

• The Sound

• Nautical Museum

• Derbyhaven & Langness

• Chapel Beach

• Gansey Bay Beach

• Castletown Beach

• Port Erin Railway Museum

For more ideas on how to spend your time in the south of the Island, click here. 

For more information about the Southern 100, click here.