Roy Gelling Life Long Supporter of Southern 100
Southern 100 Racing are saddened to learn of the passing of Roy Gelling on Wednesday 8th November 2023, aged 93.
Roy assisted and marshalled at the first Southern 100 in 1955 and received special recognition of his 60 years’ service, along with the late Jack Ward at the races ‘diamond jubilee’ in 2015.
Whilst keeping an eagle eye on the races from his farm entrance on the back section of the 4.25-mile Colas Billown Course Roy was possibly more famous for his hospitality, with a specially erected scaffold grandstand where he entertained fellow racing fans during practices and racing and in the process raised much welcome donations to assist in the running of the popular races.
The excellent vantage point is also used by Greenlight Television to film the action, which is broadcast world-wide.
Roy Gelling never missed a year’s racing from 1955 through to 2022 and helped the Southern100 gain the reputation it now holds and has become known as the ‘friendly races’.
Away from his beloved road races, Roy as an avid follower of Isle of Man Snooker, being a past Island champion and senior official. He was also Captain of the Parish of Malew.
Southern 100 Racing and the Southern 100 Marshals Association offer their sincere condolences to his family, close friends and all that knew Roy at this sad time.
(Photo courtesy of Diane Neale shows Roy with a group of friends from Northern Ireland)
