The Southern 100 organisers are delighted to confirm that County Durham’s Franco Bourne will line up for his first appearance at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races, scheduled to take place from 6th to 9th July.

Bourne arrives on the Island with an impressive racing résumé. He secured the British Moto3 Championship title in 2020 before stepping up to the British Junior Superstock, where he claimed the runner-up spot in 2022. His progression continued in 2023 with a move into the highly competitive 1000cc Superstock class. After taking victory at the opening round, Bourne earned a call-up to the official Honda Racing Superbike Team, deputising for the injured Andrew Irwin.

More recently, Bourne has joined Team I.L.R, operated by five-time Southern 100 Solo Champion Ian Lougher, one of the event’s most recognisable and successful figures.

Earlier this month, Bourne competed at Oliver’s Mount during the Bob Smith Spring Cup. He claimed two pole positions, took two race wins and added three further podium finishes to underline his potential on the roads.

The talented youngster is set to continue his busy road racing schedule with a debut outing at the North West 200 in the coming weeks, before heading to the Isle of Man for his first TT campaign.

For the Southern 100, Bourne is expected to contest multiple classes, campaigning a Paton 650 Supertwin, a Honda CBR600RR in the Supersport category and a Honda CBR1000RR Superbike.

Southern 100 Race Chairman George Peach commented:

“Franco is clearly a rider with a very bright future ahead of him. To see someone come through the short circuit ranks with the success he’s had and then make such a strong start to his road racing career is extremely encouraging. We’re very pleased to welcome him to the Southern 100 and look forward to seeing how he adapts to the Motor Isle Billown Course.”

Ian Lougher added:

“The Southern 100 has always had a special place in my heart as it was where I competed in my first ever road race, through the help of Ray Cowles. George and the team made me feel so welcome and appreciated. I really enjoyed my first year at Billown and went on to enjoy every other one I competed in, from 1983 through to 2013. I was privileged enough to have won the Solo Championship Race five times and still have the most amount of wins there, one more than Joey. A statistic I’m so proud of.

Team ILR have brought a number of riders to the MOTOR ISLE Billown Course since I retired and this year we have Franco who I think is a fantastic rider with immense amount of talent and raw speed.

He’s a newcomer so as a team we want to nurture him and bring him on and see him progress in a happy and stress free environment. Even I am quite excited to see how he gets on

Franco Bourne said:

“I’m sorry I can’t be with you tonight at the Media Launch but I’m really looking forward to racing at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races in July. I can’t wait to race around the Motor Isle Billown Course, it is a course and meeting I have watched many times on TV and always wished I could race there, so with Team ILR’s support I am pleased it’s now going to happen. Look forward to seeing you all in July.”

Bourne’s addition to this year’s entry list further strengthens what is expected to be a highly competitive field and provides fans with another exciting prospect to follow at the 2026 Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races.

📸 David Garrison