Southern 100 Attracts Overseas Riders
Being based in the Isle of Man, the ‘Southern 100’ has attracted ‘overseas’ riders from its first running on Thursday 14th July 1955.
Competitors arrived from the adjacent islands of England; Scotland, the Island of Ireland North and South and Wales and still do in an annual pilgrimage to the ‘friendly races.’
The annual July races have also attracted the ‘real’ overseas riders from Europe, the Americas, and the Antipodes.
The first of what was then known as The Continental Circus’ raced at the very first Southern 100 was Gavin Dunlop from New Zealand, and twelve months later a fellow Kiwi, George Murphy raced at Billown.
Over the past sixty-eight years, most years have seen one or more continental visitors wanting to experience the thrills of racing around the 4.25-mile Colas Billown Course, and 2024 is no different with no less than seven solo competitors plus two sidecar crews and one sidecar passenger.
Possibly the most recognisable name is Finland’s Erno Kostamo who enjoyed a successful time at June’s TT Races. Erno will race his BMW sponsored by 38 Motorsport by Penz 13.
Another BMW mounted rider, from Belgium riding for the Roads Warriors team is Jean Pierre Polet.
Frenchman Amalric Blanc rides a 1000 Honda CBR for Team b&m/hml, with another compatriot Cedric Assouvie will be BMW mounted.
Two have made the journey from the United States of America. From Fremont, David Thomas will be riding a 659 Aprilia for Obsession Engineering Ltd, whist Israel Gillette will be riding a 675 Triumph Daytona in the Supersport races.
Lastly in the solos is Logan Barker who has made the journey from Saskatchewan, Canada and will be riding a 650 Aprilia for McCrum’s Motorcycles.
Looking at the sidecar overseas crews, both teams are making their debuts at the Southern 100, Eric Lenser & Anais Rosset will be aboard their 599 DDM Suzuki, with Steveens Palacoeur & Yann Druel will be campaigning their 600 Vanneste Yamaha in both Sidecar races.
Frenchman Kevin Rousseau is also making his debut, alongside 2012 Sidecar Champion Ben Birchall.
