Post-TT Road Races

1991 saw a new event added to the Billown Course. The “Isle of Man Steam Packet Company National Road Races’ were introduced to provide entertainment for enthusiasts who were staying on the Island after the end of the TT Races, as it was at the time proving impossible to ‘evacuate the many thousands of bikers in a day or two’, as once was the case.

The Steam Packet Company requested Southern ‘100’ Racing to organise a three-race programme catering for machines ranging from 125cc to 750cc, with practicing taking place in the afternoon and racing, early evening. The calibre of the entry was first class, for the three classes, 125cc and 400cc Supersport; 250cc and 350cc, followed by the 750s, competing for a prize fund which stood at over £5,000. In all ninety-nine entries were received.

The discussions resulting in the inaugural event being run on Saturday 8th June 1991, with the ‘Island’s Lifeline’ remaining title sponsors to 2007.

2008 and 2009 saw the Lightweight (250cc) and Ultra-Lightweight (125cc) races being elevated to TT Status, reverting to the Post TT Road Races in 2010, headline sponsors have included, Manx Telecom, Metzeler Tyres; Radcliffe Butchers; Colas (IOM) Ltd and DAO Holdings Ltd.

The three-race format has continued since, adjusting the classes to suit changes in rules and regulations, with 600cc, 650cc and 1100cc machines being catered for at the present time.