Former Southern 100 Stalwart Jack Wood Has Died
Southern 100 Racing are saddened to learn of the passing of former stalwart of the races, Jack Wood on Thursday 28th December 2023.
Jack competed in the first races in 1955 gaining a fourth-place finish in the 350cc race, returning in 1958 to take a sixth spot in the 350cc race on an AJS and complete his Southern 100 cv with a fifth place in the 500cc race on a Matchless.
After hanging up his leathers, Jack took on the role of Deputy Clerk of Course at Billown in 1961 and continued through until the end of 1968.
Then followed a twenty-one-year stint as Car Inspection Driver between 1969 and 1989. Returning briefly in 1989 and 1990 before taking early retirement.
On the Snaefell Mountain Course Jack competed in the Manx Grand Prix between 1950 and 1955 in a total of eleven races gaining a best podium third place in the 1955 Junior Manx Grand Prix.
Moving to the TT in 1955, again he rode in eleven races with his best finish being twentieth in the Junior of his debut year 1955.
Jack Wood became an active member of the Manx Motor Cycle Club graduating to Clerk of the Course for the Manx Grand Prix and the Isle of Man TT Races becoming one of the most respected Clerk of Course for the world-famous races in the post world Championship era.
Jack never lost his ties with the Southern 100 and later the Pre-TT and Post TT Races and was a regular and welcome visitor to the Club and Race HQ’s and the Paddock, where he would share his experiences with his contemporaries and younger riders and enthusiasts.
Southern 100 Racing extends their sincere condolences to Jack’s family, close friends and other members of the road racing community that knew him.
