Update : 29/05/2026 : A new 2026 Race Week Schedule has been announced. Following the cancellation of any further sidecar racing for the 2026 event a new Race Week Schedule has been announced. Full details can be found here :
TBNI.Blog have compiled the most useful and popular posts in relation to the TT Road Races in order to bring you a basic Visitors’ Guide. Hopefully this guide will give you an idea and some knowledge of the course and plenty of other useful information.
History :
The Isle of Man TT, the oldest motorcycle racing event in the world, has been a spectacle of speed and skill since its inception in 1907.
The race was born out of necessity, as racing on the highways of Britain was forbidden by Act of Parliament. The Isle of Man, with its more lenient attitude towards automobile racing, became the perfect venue.
The first race was a time trial, organised by the Auto-Cycle Club (later renamed the Auto-Cycle Union). The course was a challenging 52.15-mile “Highlands” route. However, the steep climbs of the mountain section proved too much for the bikes of the time, leading to a redirection of the race. It wasn’t until 1911 that the race returned to the Mountain Course. The current Course takes riders on a 37.73 mile starting just outside Douglas and takes in numerous towns and villages and of course up and over the island’s highest mountain Snaefell.
The early races emphasised the road touring nature of the motorcycles, with regulations for saddles, pedals, mudguards, and exhaust silencers.
The first single-cylinder race was won by Charles Collier riding a Matchless, while Rem Fowler on a Norton took the twin-cylinder honours.
Over the years, the TT Course evolved from a horse and cart track, which included the odd gate between fields, into a world-renowned racing circuit. Lap speeds improved with road conditions, rising from 55.62 mph in 1920 to over 90 mph by the outbreak of World War 2. In 2023, Peter Hickman was the fastest lap holder with an average speed of 136.358mph or a lap time of 16m 36.114s
The TT returned after the War in 1947, with Harold Daniell winning the Senior once more.
The race has continued to grow in popularity, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe.
As the TT Races celebrated its 100th race meeting in 2019, the spirit of competition and advancement that brought the original TT competition to the Island remains as strong as ever.
TBNI.Blog have compiled the most useful and popular posts in relation to the Pre-TT Classic Road Races in order to bring you a basic Visitors’ Guide. Hopefully this guide will give you an idea and some knowledge of the course and plenty of other useful information.
Updated for 2026
History :
The Pre-TT Classic Road Races came into being in 1988 at the request of the then TT organisers, the then Auto Cycle Union, Classics having first appeared on the Billown course twelve months earlier at the popular Southern ‘100’ Road Races.’ The first TT Classic Races were held on the 31st May1988, the meeting consisting of four races, 250cc/350c; 500cc; Unlimited and Sidecars and attracted 115 entries in all.
Honour of being the first race winner went to Graham Godward of Royston in Hertfordshire, riding a 350cc Aermacchi, whilst the 250cc category was dominated by ‘local’ classic man Mike Cain from Onchan on his 250cc Suzuki. Dave Pither, Seeley Matchless took the 500cc race from Richard Swallow on Syd Lawton’s Aermacchi with Alan Dugdale third. Riding a BSA Metisse, Stroud’s Robert Price finished first in the Unlimited race, whilst the controversial MV Agusta sidecar outfit of Mark Kay and Richard Battisson took the chequered flag in the final race of the day. The Classics had arrived at Billown!
Thirty plus years on, the Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races is rated as one of the most popular and ‘must do’ events in the annual Classic calendar attracting well over 250 entries for its nine-race event.
For further information on the Pre-TT Road Races click here.
Pre-TT Classic Road Races Tickets :
The Pre-TT Road Races is a free event. Spectators can visit and find any number of superb vantage spots (for free) around the 4.25 miles of the circuit. There are also a couple of grandstands run by the Southern 100 Club, they are very reasonably priced and if you fancy a guaranteed seat for the day they are a great way to go.
Even though the event is free, it is important to support the sport and one way to do this is to visit the Merchandise Tent, or the Club Hall or Burger van. The breakfasts are great and really well priced! Programmes are also available and are filled with interesting articles, stories, photographs and information about the event. Programmes are available for sale at the circuit.
The Pre-TT Classic Road Races Circuit shares its asphalt with the Southern 100. The circuit is at Billown, Castletown in the South of the Island and is 4.25 miles per lap.
Southern 100 Road Racing are pleased to advise that the Regulations and Entry Forms for the 2024 Meeting, which will be held from Monday 8th to Thursday 11th July are now available on the official website.
Competitors are advised that they should take particular notice of the regulations regarding clothing, helmets, boots, gloves which have been brought in line with the ACU Mountain Course requirements.
Lee Johnston has announced he will return to the Isle of Man for the 2024 TT Races with Ashcourt Racing.
Johnston missed the 2023 event due to life-threatening injuries sustained at the 2023 North West 200. This year his TT Campaign will feature a Honda CBR1000RR-R SP for the Superbike and Superstock events and an Aprilia RS 660 in the Supertwin class. His machine for the Supersport class is yet to be confirmed.
“It’s never good to miss a year at the TT, but even more so when the weather was as good as it was last year. The amount of track time and the sheer number of laps completed saw the game move on considerably. You’ve got to do 130mph+ now to win a Supersport race which is unreal.”
“I’m being realistic about it. This will be somewhat of a rebuilding year but I can’t wait to get back on my bike at the TT. Obviously I want to do as well as possible, particularly in the Supersport and Supertwin Races, but I want to enjoy it as well.”
Ian Hutchinson back with Milenco Padgett’s Honda Team for 2024 Calendar
Three-time North West 200 race winner, Ian Hutchinson will be re-united with the Milenco Padgett’s Honda squad for a full-scale onslaught on the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races at the 2024 Briggs Equipment North West 200 in May.
The move marks another inspiring comeback for the 44 year old during a career that has seemed to be an almost relentless battle against injury and illness since he last raced full-time with the Yorkshire-based team during 2010.
Hutchinson’s stunning ten race winning run with the Padgett’s team at that season’s NW200, Isle of Man TT, Ulster Grand Prix and Scarborough Gold Cup ended when he sustained a serious leg injury at Silverstone in September 2010.
After enduring more than 40 operations, the ‘Bingley Bullet’ eventually fought his way back into contention to claim victory in the 2013 Macau Grand Prix plus, a third win at the NW200 in 2016 and eight more TT triumphs before he crashed and broke his leg again during the 2017 Senior TT.
Battling back to fitness again, Hutchy returned to road racing with Honda in 2018, riding a Padgetts prepared CBR600RR to 7th and 16th place finishes in the Supersport class at the NW200.
Following a tragic incident at the 2023 Southern 100 Road Races on 11th July where a Marshal and Rider sadly lost their lives in an incident involving two rider, a Marshal and member of the public the remainder of the event has been cancelled.
Thoughts and prayers go to the friends and families of all of those affected by the tragedy
The Southern 100 Club have issued a statement in relation to the incident and also in showing their appreciation for the support shown by the road racing fraternity.
APPRECIATION FROM SOUTHERN 100 CLUB
The Southern 100 Motorcycle Racing Club would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation of all the kind messages of support and understanding that have been received since the sad and very traumatic incident during practice for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races on Tuesday evening 11th July which resulted in this year’s event being cancelled.
As promoters, we are extremely grateful to everyone who have been involved in the 2023 Southern 100 for the time, hard work, and dedication in the preparation, running of the event and continued help and assistance as we bring this year’s event to a close after the traumatic Tuesday evening.
To all involved with the incident on the By-Pass we thank you for your professionalism and dedication to your duties, we will be for ever grateful.
To the families and friends of the rider and marshal who died we offer our sincere condolences and to the families and friends of the rider and spectator injured a speedy and full recovery.
The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information comes to light so make sure you are subscribed to that : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/
The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information comes to light so make sure you are subscribed to that : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/
Prior to the 1954 Manx Grand Prix success of Derek Ennett, George Costain and Sid Mizen, the Southern Motorcycle Club held their race meetings at Andreas Airfield.
As a result of double win at the Manx, the Southern club decided there should be a race in the south of the Island and to hold a meeting on what was to become known as the Billown circuit.
In the early 1950s, the Isle of Man Government decided to build a by-pass to avoid the town centre of Castletown, and whilst traffic was minimal compared to today’s motorised Island, the by-pass provided an integral part of the new course.
The first meetings to set up the organisation were held in the Station Hotel, now the Viking, in Castletown, which is where the Ennett family lived. This band of gentlemen with foresight also used to meet on a Sunday morning in the Control Tower at Ronaldsway Airport, with Theo Watterson. In between landing planes, the time was taken up planning the Southern ‘100’!
Amongst the first committee were, George Costain and Joe Mylchreest, who officially measured the circuit, using the official ‘chain’ measure (22 yards) and walked around the course measuring down the centre line of the road. The total official distances was, and still is 4.25-miles.
Southern 100 Racing took over the organisation of the Southern 100 Races in 1981, the Southern Motor Cycle (IOM) Club having taken to decision to separate their two sections, road racing and off-road. However it was the same team at the helm and the races, and the event has grown in stature over the forty years of the present organisers to the reputation the event is held in today.
Since the first race on Thursday 14th July 1955, the 350cc won by Derek Ennett a total of 604 races have been run over the Billown Course, including 145 Sidecar races, with 108,749 racing laps completed, a racing distance of 461,911.520 miles at the end of the 2022 meeting.
The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information comes to light so make sure you are subscribed to that : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/
Isle of Man Southern 100 Road Races Visitors Guide :
*** Updated for 2026 ***
Southern 100 Road Races
TBNI.Blog have compiled the most useful and popular of our posts in relation to the Isle of Man Southern 100 Road Races in order to bring you a basic Isle of Man Southern 100 Visitor’s Guide, to give you an idea and some knowledge of the course, the races and their preplanned times and some of the other racing events on the Island over the period of the Southern 100 Friendly Races.
2026 Event Dates :
The 2024 Southern 100 will run 6th – 9th July 2026.
History of the Isle of Man Southern 100 Road Races :
Prior to the 1954 Manx Grand Prix success of Derek Ennett, George Costain and Sid Mizen, the Southern Motorcycle Club held their race meetings at Andreas Airfield.
As a result of double win at the Manx, the Southern club decided there should be a race in the south of the Island and to hold a meeting on what was to become known as the Billown circuit.
In the early 1950s, the Isle of Man Government decided to build a by-pass to avoid the town centre of Castletown, and whilst traffic was minimal compared to today’s motorised Island, the by-pass provided an integral part of the new course.
The first meetings to set up the organisation were held in the Station Hotel, now the Viking, in Castletown, which is where the Ennett family lived. This band of gentlemen with foresight also used to meet on a Sunday morning in the Control Tower at Ronaldsway Airport, with Theo Watterson. In between landing planes, the time was taken up planning the Southern ‘100’!
Amongst the first committee were, George Costain and Joe Mylchreest, who officially measured the circuit, using the official ‘chain’ measure (22 yards) and walked around the course measuring down the centre line of the road. The total official distances was, and still is 4.25-miles.
Southern 100 Racing took over the organisation of the Southern 100 Races in 1981, the Southern Motor Cycle (IOM) Club having taken to decision to separate their two sections, road racing and off-road. However it was the same team at the helm and the races, and the event has grown in stature over the forty years of the present organisers to the reputation the event is held in today.
Since the first race on Thursday 14th July 1955, the 350cc won by Derek Ennett a total of 604 races have been run over the Billown Course, including 145 Sidecar races, with 108,749 racing laps completed, a racing distance of 461,911.520 miles at the end of the 2022 meeting.p>
Southern 100 Tickets :
As was the norm with most road races post Covid spectating at the Southern 100 still remains free around the Course. There are still prohibited and restricted areas, however around the 4.25 miles there are many excellent vantage points.
The Club also has a number of Grandstands available which offer seating and other facilities such as hot food / drinks, and toilets. Full details of the Grandstands can be found here and these are an excellent way to increase your comfort and support the Club. Tickets start at £5, which to be honest is an absolute bargain!
Isle of Man Southern 100 Circuit and Map :
The Course is 4.25 miles in length and has an average width of 25 feet with right- and left-hand bends. The road surface is tarmacadam. All races will be run in a clockwise direction of the course.
Southern 100 Vantage Points :
There is over 4 miles of circuit to watch the action from, with plenty of holes in the hedges to peek out from from the most notable Vantage Points are :
Start/Finish Line (0/4.25 Miles) Line the fencing down the iconic Colas Billown Circuit Start/Finish line or enjoy the comfort of the grandstand. You will get to see the spectacle of mass start road racing and see who crosses the finish line first. The grandstand is priced at £5 for Monday, £5 for Tuesday, £10 for Wednesday and £15 for Thursday.
Winning Enclosure Our ‘paddock grandstand’ is covered so will keep you sheltered from any rain or sun (we can be hopeful)! The grandstand is priced at £5 for Monday, £5 for Tuesday, £10 for Wednesday and £15 for Thursday.
Ballakeighan Corner (0.55 Miles) Ballakeighan is the first corner on the circuit. Bikes pile into the corner on the first few laps after the mass start. The corner then leads onto Ballakeighan straight.n.
Unfortunately we are no longer able to offer fans the opportunity to get to Ballakeighan from the holding area as we no longer have access to the drive way of Balladoole Mansion. View details here.
Iron Gate (1.11 Miles) Iron Gate comes at the end of the Ballakeighan straight. It is a right hand turn shortly followed by a fast left hand turn that leads onto Ballanorris (Joey’s Gate). The Colas Grandstand is also located here with a great view all the way down Ballakeighan straight and of Iron Gate. The grandstand is priced at £5 for Monday, £5 for Tuesday, £10 for Wednesday and £15 for Thursday. We also have Funky Foods located here for all of your catering needs! There is of course also a couple of toilets.
Ballabeg Hairpin (1.55 Miles) Ballabeg hairpin is the slowest corner on the Billown Circuit. It can be very deceiving for riders, as the camber of the road drags the rider into the corner earlier than they need to turn. There is a public toilet available here.
Cross Four Ways (2.80 Miles) Cross Four Ways is notorious for its overtakes and slow speed low side crashes. It is the second slowest corner on the circuit and usually attracts a large crowd of spectators. Laura and the team from The Barrister Van will be on hand all weekend to keep you refuelled and there is also some toilets.
Church Bends (3.10 Miles) Church Bends is one of the most popular locations for fans. With two fast flowing bends around the walls of Malew Church. There is plenty of parking back again this year (in the back field accessed through the normal gate entrance). There is toilets here too.
Castletown Corner Watch all of the last corner action from the School Hill Grandstand. Our catering team will also be on hand to feed you. There is also public toilets here. The grandstand is priced at £5 for Monday, £5 for Tuesday, £10 for Wednesday and £15 for Thursday.
Southern 100 Parking :
Car Parking for the Southern 100 Motorcycle Show is available in the ‘Day Paddock’ adjacent to the Race Paddock with overspill parking available at the IFGL Car Park close by.
Other ‘Non Official’ Parking Spots are available, but it is impossible to list these here, the best advice I have is to take a ride round the Circuit and see what is available near to your chosen spot. Park legally and safely with respect for the locals and their property and you will be fine.
2026 Southern 100 Schedule :
Please note : This is the provisional schedule and subject to change.
(Save this image for easy access to the Schedule).
The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information comes to light so make sure you are subscribed to that : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/
2023 Isle of Man Southern 100 Road Races Preview :
It is almost time for the 2023 Isle of Man Southern 100 Road Races, the friendly races that attract some of the best riders in the world.
The Southern 100 takes place on the 4.25-mile Billown circuit, a challenging and fast course that runs through the scenic countryside of the south of the Isle of Man.
The 2023 event will be run through the 10th to 13th July, and will feature 12 races over various classes, including solo and sidecar races.
There will be some close and exciting battles, and if the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races are any sort of precedent then some record-breaking performances are totally expected.
The current lap record holders are Dean Harrison (solo) with a time of 2m10.835s and an average speed of 116.941 mph, and Ryan Crowe / Callum Crowe (sidecar) with a time of 2m29.417s and an average speed of 102.308 mph. Both records were set in 2022.
The Southern 100 has a rich history dating back to 1955, and has seen many legends of the sport grace its podium, such as Joey Dunlop, Ian Lougher, Michael Dunlop, Dean Harrison and many more.
This is a spectacular event so if you aren’t on the Island make sure you have the Manx Radio App downloaded as the commentary provided is truly excellent.
Take yourself on a Timelapse loop of the Southern 100 Circuit :
The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information comes to light so make sure you are subscribed to that : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/
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