Southern 100 Road Races
The Southern 100 Road Races, often referred to as “the friendly races,” take place each July on the Isle of Man’s MOTOR ISLE Billown Course in Castletown. Established in 1955, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the road racing calendar, attracting top riders and thousands of fans from around the world. Known for its fast, flowing 4.25-mile course and close racing, the Southern 100 offers an electrifying atmosphere with access to the paddock, riders, and iconic viewing spots. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, the Southern 100 delivers an unforgettable motorsport experience in a truly unique setting.
Typical Schedule
Southern 100 week tends to follow a very similar schedule each year, please find below what is our usual schedule. Please note this is subject to change and will be confirmed once the road order closures are confirmed closer to the event.
Monday
6:05pm - 9:30pm: Familiarisation Laps & Qualifying
Tuesday
6:05pm - 7:30pm: Qualifying
8pm - 9:30pm: Racing
Wednesday
6:05pm - 9:30pm: Racing
Thursday
9:30am - 12:45pm: Racing
1:30pm - 4:45pm: Racing
Getting Here
Reaching the Isle of Man is easy whether you’re travelling by sea or air. The island is well connected to the UK and Ireland, with regular ferry and flight services operating throughout the year.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company operates ferry services from Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast, and Dublin. Ferries arrive in Douglas, the island’s capital, and you can travel with or without a vehicle.
Please note sailings are subject to change, please check the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company website for the latest sailings.
The island’s airport, Ronaldsway (IOM), is located just a few minutes from the Billown Course in Castletown. Direct flights operate from several UK airports. Including:
- Birmingham (Loganair)
- Bristol (EasyJet)
- Dublin (Aer Lingus)
- Edinburgh (Loganair)
- Liverpool (EasyJet & Loganair)
- London Gatwick (EasyJet)
- London City (Loganair)
- London Heathrow T2 (Loganair)
- Manchester (EasyJet & Loganair)
Travel Packages
Our friends at Isle of Man Steam Packet Holidays and Duke Travel both offer a variety of convenient travel packages to help you make the most of your Southern 100 experience. Whether you’re looking for a glamping adventure close to the action, a comfortable hotel stay, a charming B&B escape, or even just a well-organised day trip, they have options to suit every preference and budget. These packages can include ferry travel, accommodation, and even race-day extras, taking the stress out of planning and ensuring you focus on enjoying the racing. Their teams have expert local knowledge and a passion for motorsport, so you’re in good hands from the moment you book. Prices from:
- 4 Nights Glamping: From £177pp
- 3 Night Hotel: From £194pp
- Day Trip: From £56pp
Glamping with 4 Ever RR
Make your Southern 100 experience even more memorable with the new 4 Ever rr luxury glamping site at Colby Football Club, just over a mile from the Billown Course. The site features modern facilities, tarmac parking, a private clubhouse with Wi-Fi, hot drinks, and easy access to Castletown via the steam train station right next door.
The spacious 5-metre tents sleep 2 to 4 guests and include real beds, quality linen, lighting, carpets, and a Southern 100 programme. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and convenience for couples, families, or groups of friends.
Things to Do
While the heart pounding action of the Southern 100 takes place in the evenings (Monday to Wednesday), there’s no shortage of ways to make your days on the Isle of Man truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another year, the island offers a rich blend of culture, history, nature, and activities to explore before the racing begins.
Start your day with a walk through one of the island’s many peaceful glens such as Glen Maye or Silverdale. Take a drive up to the summit of Snaefell, the Isle of Man’s only mountain for panoramic views across to England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales on a clear day. Or enjoy a coastal stroll along the Raad ny Foillan (Way of the Gull), a long-distance footpath offering incredible views of cliffs, bays, and seabird colonies.
Just minutes from the Billown Course is Castle Rushen, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval castles. Nearby, the Old House of Keys and Nautical Museum in Castletown provide fascinating glimpses into the island’s political and maritime past. For a deeper dive into Manx culture, head to the Manx Museum in Douglas or visit Cregneash, a living history village where traditional crofting life is brought to life.
For those seeking something more active, the Isle of Man is a playground of outdoor pursuits. Cycle through quiet country lanes, hire a kayak or paddleboard in Port Erin or Peel, or go wildlife spotting on a boat tour. You can even try coasteering for a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, ideal for those who like to push boundaries, even off the racetrack.
Refuel with some of the island’s best local food and drink. The south of the island boasts a fantastic range of cafés, pubs, and restaurants, from fresh seafood in Port St Mary to artisan coffee and homemade cakes in Castletown. Don’t miss the chance to visit local farm shops and markets for Manx cheeses, preserves, and other handmade produce.