2025 Southern 100 Qualifying Summary :
2025 Southern 100 Racing Summary Available Here
Southern 100 Celebrates its Platinum Jubilee.
The hallowed Billown Course has once again roared to life, as the 70th Anniversary Southern 100 kicked off its qualifying sessions on Monday, July 7th, and Tuesday, July 8th, 2025. Despite a challenging start with an unfortunate red flag incident on Monday and inclement weather halting Tuesday’s evening racing, the provisional grids are packed with talent, promising a week of exhilarating road racing.
Monday’s Opening Salvo: Todd Dominates, Dunlop Lurks
Under mostly dry skies, the opening day of qualifying on Monday saw riders waste no time in setting blistering paces. Davey Todd, on his 8TEN Racing BMW, immediately stamped his authority, topping the Superbike/Superstock charts with a formidable 2:14.216 lap. Close on his heels was local hero Nathan Harrison (Honda) at 2:16.163, demonstrating his intimate knowledge of the Billown circuit. Road racing titan Michael Dunlop, on his MD Racing BMW, settled into third with a 2:17.072, a clear indication that he was just finding his rhythm and would be a force to be reckoned with. Dean Harrison and Michael Sweeney also showed strong form, rounding out the top five.
The Super Twin class saw Rob Hodson pick up where he left off last year, leading the pack with a 2:27.006 on his Paton. Davey Todd continued his impressive multi-class performance by securing second in the Super Twins, showcasing his versatility. Paul Jordan and Joe Yeardsley also put in strong performances, setting up what promises to be a fiercely contested Lightweight race.
The Supersport sessions were equally captivating. Davey Todd once again led the yellow-plated “A” race contenders, posting a 2:20.160, narrowly ahead of Paul Jordan and Nathan Harrison. The “white plate” Supersport session for newer riders or those without pre-qualification was topped by Nathan Harrison, showing his all-around speed, with David Rigby leading the white plate entries.
A somber note was struck on Monday evening when a red flag brought the Supersport session to an early close due to a one-rider incident at Stadium Bend involving Yann Galli. Thankfully, reports confirmed the rider was conscious and stable, later transferred to a UK hospital. This incident, coupled with the approaching darkness, led to the postponement of the second Superbike and Lightweight sessions to Tuesday.
Tuesday’s Tussle: Dunlop Finds His Groove, Weather Intervenes
Tuesday’s qualifying sessions, although eventually cut short by rain, saw the pace intensify further. Davey Todd once again shone in the Superbike class, improving his time to a 2:12.303, cementing his pole position. However, Dean Harrison closed the gap significantly, posting a 2:12.860, indicating a strong challenge for the races. Nathan Harrison maintained his impressive form in third.
Crucially, Michael Dunlop, who was 15th on Monday after limited laps, truly unleashed his Milwaukee Ducati in the Supersport class on Tuesday. He topped the Supersport times with a blistering 2:18.784, demonstrating why he’s a multiple TT winner and setting a dominant pace. Davey Todd remained hot on his heels in second, followed by Mike Browne and Paul Jordan, ensuring the Supersport races will be ones to watch.
In the Super Twins, Rob Hodson continued to lead the charge, but the competition tightened, with Davey Todd and Paul Jordan pushing him hard.
The Sidecar crews also put on a spectacular display of skill and bravery. Local favourites Ryan and Callum Crowe continued their commanding form, topping the qualifying sessions on both days, with their Tuesday time of 2:31.206 putting them well ahead of Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley and Lee Crawford/Scott Hardie. The sight of these three-wheeled machines hurtling through the Billown hedges remains a true highlight for spectators.
Unfortunately, the much-anticipated evening races on Tuesday were largely curtailed by heavy rain. Following a sighting lap, the Superbike race was called off, with Michael Dunlop notably opting not to take his place on the grid due to the adverse conditions. The Lightweight Supertwin race also saw a red flag on the second lap due to worsening weather, bringing an early end to the day’s on-track action.
Despite the weather challenges, the qualifying sessions have laid the groundwork for what promises to be a thrilling 70th Southern 100. The battles for supremacy in each class are finely poised, and with a revised schedule likely for the coming days, fans can eagerly anticipate more high-speed action on the legendary Billown Course. The “Friendly Races” are well and truly underway, and the stage is set for a memorable week of road racing.
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