Ian Lougher Announces Retirement from Road Racing After Remarkable 42-Year Career

Forty-two years after his debut at the Southern 100 road races, Ian Lougher has announced his retirement from road racing, marking the end of one of the sport’s most successful and enduring careers.

Ian first rode in the Southern 100 in 1983, competing in the 350cc race and finishing 10th on then sponsor Ray Cowles Yamaha. His first victory came in 1987 in the Solo Founders race riding an EMC machine. Over the decades, Ian went on to amass an incredible 40 race victories at the Southern 100, his final win coming in 2013 in the Ultra Lightweight 125cc race.

Among these triumphs are five Solo Championships, achieved in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008. The second most of any rider around the iconic Motor Isle Billown Course.

At the Isle of Man Steam Packet Post TT Road Races, Ian also claimed 12 wins between 2004 and 2012, including four victories across 2008 and 2009 when the 125cc and 250cc races were designated TT Races. This distinction credited him with a Lightweight TT win in 2008 and Ultra Lightweight and Lightweight TT wins in 2009.

Ian was the inaugural winner of the Duke Road Race Rankings Championship in 2002 and went on to secure the title twice more, in 2005 and 2006. The Southern 100 and Post TT Races have always formed an integral part of this championship.

Speaking to Isle of Man TT Races, Ian reflected on his remarkable journey:

“Forty-four seasons is a long, long time to still be racing, isn’t it! I never imagined after that first outing in 1982 that I’d still be competing more than four decades later. I’ve been thinking about retirement for quite a while, but kept it to myself — I didn’t even tell Asa, my wife — because I thought it might be unlucky. I’ve always said I’d keep racing as long as I was competitive, and I like to think I’ve managed that. I’m not one for just riding around at the back.

I’m 62 now, you can’t go on forever, and I don’t want to put my old body through any more. I’ve got a few aches and pains – mostly the knees – not that I’ve crashed too much really, maybe I’ve just been lucky! I’ve had the privilege to race against so many great riders and meet some of the best people in the sport, and not many get to do that. Racing has literally been my life.

With ILR Racing, I’ll still have my hand in – maybe even the odd few laps in the name of testing – but now it’s time to focus on the next generation. I’ve always tried to surround myself with the right people, the right machinery, and the right attitude to keep safe and competitive. I’m grateful to everyone who’s supported me along the way, and to those closest to me for putting up with my single-mindedness over the years. It’s been an incredible journey.”

The Southern 100 Road Races were delighted to welcome Ian back to the Southern 100 70th Anniversary celebrations this year, where his immense contribution to the event and to the sport of road racing was warmly recognised by fans, riders, and organisers alike.

 

Ian Lougher’s contribution to the Southern 100 and the wider road racing community is immeasurable. His consistency, professionalism and sportsmanship have set a standard for future generations to follow.

The Southern 100 Road Races extend their heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Ian for his outstanding achievements and dedication to the sport.