‘The Hut’ Celebrates 30 Years
Sunday 29th May 1994 was a significant day in the history of the Southern 100 Road Races, as the Club Committee, members, guests, and riders gathered at the new building opposite the Race Paddock to see the new Club Headquarters officially opened by the then five-time Solo Champion Joey Dunlop MBE.
Having been welcomed by the then President, the late Derek Nicholson, Joey duly unveiled a special plaque after declaring the Club Headquarters officially opened.
Everyone present then adjourned to the Start – Finish Line, where Joey, joined by his family, the club members, competitors, friends, and other interested people, as a Hands Around Billown was attempted and very pleasing successfully completed, as people held hands around the full 4.25-mile course.
Thirty years on, the ‘hut’ as it is affectionately known by the committee is still the heart beat of the friendly races, where all the meetings are held before and after the races as the races are planned and all the organisation and promoting of the now two annual road races take place.
Apart from offices, the renowned catering is prepared in the building, which also houses showers and toilet facilities for people using the Race Paddock, these have been updated and expanded over the years to accommodate the increasing number of people wishing to race on the Colas Billown Course.
Marshal and Medical personnel have moved out to units adjacent to the Club HQ, as have the people who look after the Merchandise and Hospitality for race sponsors and guests.
After a hectic three days of race action for the thirty-seventh running of the Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races, the ‘hut’ will settle back to its usual state of activity as the club prepares and builds up for the 69th Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Championship Day Thursday 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th July 2024.
