Southern 100 Set to Welcome Road Racing’s Finest to Billown
The Southern 100 Road Races will once again welcome one of the strongest and most diverse line-ups in road racing when competitors from across the British Isles, mainland Europe, Australia and the United States descend on the Motor Isle Billown Course this July for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races 2026.
Featuring Isle of Man TT winners, former Southern 100 champions, rising stars, local favourites and international challengers, this year’s entry reflects the continued appeal of the Motor Isle Billown Course and promises four days of thrilling action around the 4.25-mile course.
HARRISON AND DUNLOP LEAD THE WAY
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Two of the biggest names in modern road racing head the entry list, with 2026 Isle of Man TT winners Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop both confirmed.
Dean Harrison arrives at Billown on the back of a hugely successful Isle of Man TT, where he claimed victories in both the Superbike and Senior races. A multiple Southern 100 Solo Champion and one of the sport’s most accomplished competitors, Harrison’s speed, experience and consistency make him a perennial contender whenever he lines up at Billown.
Michael Dunlop’s presence further enhances the quality of the field. Following another successful TT campaign, the all-time TT wins record holder arrives at Billown looking to add more silverware to an already remarkable career and will be expected to challenge at the front throughout the week.
ESTABLISHED STARS READY TO CHALLENGE
While Harrison and Dunlop may attract the headlines, a host of proven front-runners will be looking to challenge for race victories throughout the week.
Among them are Mike Browne, Rob Hodson and Paul Jordan, all of whom have demonstrated their ability to run at the sharp end on the Motor Isle Billown Course.
Popular competitors Dominic Herbertson and Jamie Coward also return, bringing extensive Southern 100 experience and a reputation for delivering entertaining performances whenever they take to the track.
Michael Sweeney, Sam West and Barry Furber further strengthen the entry, ensuring there will be no shortage of competition throughout the field.
With such depth of talent assembled, every race is expected to feature fierce battles from the front of the grid right through the pack.
LOCAL RIDERS FLY THE MANX FLAG
Leading the local charge is Nathan Harrison, who has firmly established himself as one of the Isle of Man’s leading road racers. The Onchan rider enjoyed a breakthrough Southern 100 campaign last year, claiming his first podium in the Senior Superbike race behind only Davey Todd and Dean Harrison. Having continued his rise on the roads, Nathan will be aiming to challenge for even greater success at Billown this year.
Joining him is fan favourite Conor Cummins, who returns to the Southern 100 for the first time since 2014. One of the Isle of Man’s most respected and accomplished competitors, Cummins’ return to Billown is sure to be warmly welcomed by supporters and adds another fascinating storyline to this year’s event.
Michael Evans, Joe Yeardsley and Marcus Simpson continue to gain valuable experience at the highest level, while Jamie Williams, Grant Thomson, Dan Sayle and Paul Cassidy complete a strong local contingent determined to impress on home roads.
INTERNATIONAL INTEREST CONTINUES TO GROW
One of the most striking features of this year’s entry is the strength of the overseas contingent.
Austria’s Julian Trummer returns as one of Europe’s most experienced road racers, while Spain’s Victor Ortega continues to fly the flag for Spanish road racing on the international stage.
French riders Amalric Blanc, Loïc Sirot and Stéphane Bellavoine add further continental representation, joined by Belgium’s Seppe Noël.
The Southern Hemisphere is represented by Australian rider Anthony Stephens, while the United States will have two competitors on the grid in Israel Gillette and Bridgette LeBer.
Their participation underlines the growing international appeal of the Southern 100 and demonstrates the unique attraction that the Billown Course continues to hold for competitors from around the world.
FULL GRIDS PROMISE CLOSE COMPETITION
With TT winners, Southern 100 Champions, experienced campaigners, local favourites and international challengers all represented, the ingredients are in place for another memorable week of racing.
The Southern 100 has built its reputation on producing close, competitive racing and this year’s entry suggests fans can expect more of the same.
As anticipation builds towards race week, all the signs point towards another outstanding chapter in the story of the Southern 100.
TRAVEL PACKAGES STILL AVAILABLE
Fans planning to experience the action at Billown this July can still take advantage of a range of travel and accommodation options through the event’s travel partners.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Isle of Man Steam Packet Holidays and Duke Travel continue to offer ferry crossings, accommodation packages and travel solutions for visitors wishing to enjoy the Southern 100 and explore the Isle of Man.
Whether visiting for a day, a long weekend or the entire race week, supporters can still secure travel arrangements and join thousands of fans for another exciting edition of the Friendly Races.
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©Words/Images above are from an official press release posted courtesy Southern 100 Road Races
For more Southern 100 Road Races news head to our dedicated page: Southern 100 Road Races News Home Page
or head to the official Southern 100 Road Races website https://southern100.com/
What are the Southern 100 Road Races
The Isle of Man, famous as the ‘mecca of motorcycle road racing’ has since 1955 hosted a mass-start road race every July, The Southern 100 Road Races, so called as the feature race of the event was held over a race distance of 100 miles – 24 laps of the 4.25-mile Billown Course.
Over the years since 1955 the Billown Course has become as familiar as the back of the hand to the riders who have graced the ribbon of road that makes up the Southern 100 Course, based on the outskirts of Castletown.
Future British and indeed World Champions have raced around the undulating and technical course as they have headed for the chequered flag.
For over 65 years the races on the Billown Course have drawn fans and riders to experience the unique atmosphere of the …
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