Findings from our 2026 Survey
We would like thank everyone who took part in our 2026 survey, whether you were a spectator, competitor, marshal, volunteer, sponsor, local resident or watching from home.
We’re delighted to report that 99% of you rated this year’s meeting good or excellent, with more than three-quarters giving it top marks. 96% of you said you’re likely to come back or be involved again, and four in ten felt 2026 was better than previous years, compared with just 4% who thought it was worse.
What you love
Close, exciting racing came out on top as the thing we did best followed by the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the rider line-up. When we asked what the Southern 100 must never lose, your answers were clear: its friendliness, being close to the riders and the racing, affordable spectating and its own unique identity.
One fan put it perfectly: “It lives up to its reputation as the friendly races for both competitors and fans.”
For the Isle of Man
- Almost three-quarters of you travelled from off-Island.
- For 83% of our visitors, the Southern 100 was the main reason for the trip.
- More than six in ten visitors stayed five nights or more.
- Over half of visiting groups spent £600 or more on the Island, not including travel.
- 92% of local residents and businesses who took part agreed the event benefits the area.
Half of you watched our live coverage or highlights, from across the UK, Ireland, Europe, North America and Australasia. Four in ten off-Island viewers said it made them more likely to come and watch in person.
95% of our marshals rated their experience positively, and we can’t thank the orange army enough.
Where we’ll improve
You’ve also been honest about what we need to work on. The main areas were:
• Toilets and spectator facilities around the course
• Food and drink including later in the evening
• Clearer information on viewing points, parking and access
• Merchandise
George Peach, Southern 100 Road Races Chairman said:
“We’re so grateful to everyone who took the time to tell us about their Southern 100. The support for the racing, the atmosphere and our volunteers is a real tribute to everyone involved. Just as importantly, you’ve given us a clear list of things to work on and the committee is already looking at how we act on it ahead of 2027. We’ve always been the Friendly Races and we intend to keep it that way.”
Voucher Vinner
Congratulations to Haydn Williams from England, who wins our prize draw for a £200 Isle of Man Steam Packet Company travel voucher. Our thanks go to the Steam Packet for supporting the Southern 100 Road Races as title partner since 1987.
Looking ahead to 2027
The 2027 Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races will take place from Monday 12th to Thursday 15th July 2027. Before that, the Blackford Financial Services Pre-TT Classic Road Races return to the Billown Course from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th May 2027.
You can register your interest with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for first access to Southern 100 travel offers and Steam Packet Holidays packages: steam-packet.com/southern-100-road-races.
Details of regulations, entries, marshal registration, grandstand tickets and the race schedule will be published on our website and social media channels in the coming months. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Friendly Races in 2027.
Volunteer for the Club
The Southern 100 is run by volunteers, and it’s their time and effort that make it the Friendly Races. Almost a third of you told us in the survey that you’d be interested in helping the club and we’d love to hear from you.
As well as marshalling, there are plenty of ways to get involved throughout the year and during Southern 100 week, including:
- Catering: helping to keep marshals, officials and visitors fed and watered
- Merchandise: running the shop and helping at pop-up stalls
- General DIY jobs: maintenance and preparation around the paddock, clubhouse and course
- Timekeeping and results: supporting the timing team in the race office
No experience is needed for most roles and you can give as much or as little time as suits you. To find out more, email us at volunteering@southern100.com.
