Southern 100 Road Races 2016 Official Review
The races held on the Billown Course are unique on the Isle of Man - renowned for it’s real motorcycle road racing – in featuring massed starts rather than time trials.
Drawing entries from the world’s road racing elite the event is also known as one of the ‘must see’ races of the season with fans.
The 4.25 mile course, made up of narrow, fast public roads closed for the occasion, makes for fast and close racing which sees superbikes lapping at average speeds in excess of 110mph – no mean feat when racing elbow-to-elbow with your closest rivals!
2016 saw Michael Dunlop and his BMW Superbike on dominant form, eager to add to his growing tally of solo championship titles.
Dean Harrison and Ivan Lintin, both with reputations for success on the Billown Course, were out to make sure Dunlop didn’t get away scot free and local stars Dan and Ryan Kneen were more than up for a fight.
The sidecar class featured as much, if not even more, talent – including two crews who had won F1 sidecar World titles.
The proof of their abilities was found in the first 100mph laps of the course by sidecar outfits – in fact Tim Reeves, Ben Birchall and John Holden all achieved the remarkable feat with their respective passengers.
The Official Review brings you highlights of all the top races from Supertwins to Superbike and Sidecar Championships.