Author: Steve English

ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY SOUTHERN 100 ROAD RACES 2020

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by Phil Edge

Southern 100 Racing held a meeting of its senior race officials on Wednesday evening 18th March to discuss the running of the 2020 Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races either on the scheduled dates of 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th July or possibly postpone them until later in the year.

It was decided after discussion regarding the present and on-going situation regarding the Coronavirus 19 crisis and the announcement by the Isle of Man Government’s Chief Minister earlier today that the current situation could continue for at least a further six months and after consultation with the club’s Chief Medical Officer regarding the availability of Doctors and Paramedics to cover the races, many of whom travel from the UK, that it is unlikely that they will able to leave their respective positions, we would have insufficient cover to run the races on the scheduled dates or any other.

The Doctors, Paramedics and other medical people who live on the Island will be similarly occupied at Nobles & Ramsey Cottage Hospital and other Medical practices and will like their UK counterparts will be involved with the COVID-19 cover and unlikely to be allowed to take leave.

Added to the lack of medical cover there is also the likelihood of a shortage of Race Marshals due to travel restrictions presently in place which may well be increased between now and July and could result in less than the required number of marshals available to man the 4.25-mile Colas Billown Course.

It was therefore decided by the Race Committee, very reluctantly to announce the cancellation of the 2020 Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races.

The Committee left it was better to take this decision now, rather than defer on a monthly basis in the hope that Medical cover would become available at the ‘last minute’.

Whilst it is major disappointment for the race organisers, we know that the announcement will be met with a similar response from competitors and race fans who enjoy attending the ‘friendly races’ year on year and Southern 100 Racing look forward to welcoming you all back to the Billown Course in 2021.

This also means that the postponement of the Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races announced in a Media Release on Monday 16th March are now also cancelled. Competitors who have entered will be contacted by the Race or Club Secretary in the next few days.

The dates of the 2021 Road Races on the Billown Course are:

Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races

Friday, Saturday & Monday 28th, 29th & 31st May 2021

Silicone Racing Post TT Road Races

Saturday 12th June 2010

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 12th, 13th, 14th & 15th July 2021

Coronavirus (Covid-19) – ACU Statement Update 17/03/20

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Statement on Covid-19
On behalf of ACU    

It is with regret that the ACU are suspending all competition and social activity until 30th April 2020, but this will be constantly reviewed. This is in response to the emerging guidance issued by HM UK Government in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.   

All permits for events during this time will be cancelled and reimbursed in full to the organising club/ promoter.    As the National Governing Body would ask all ACU Members to act responsibly and follow the Government’s guidance during this difficult time. We have a responsibility and duty of care to our staff who will be working from home, so please be patient with any queries you may have.   

As of writing (17th March 2020) HM Government have advised: 

  • – Persons to work from home where possible 
  • – People over the age of 70 to minimise social contact 
  • – Emergency services will not support mass gatherings 
  • – Stop non-essential travel  
  • – Avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and cinemas  

This statement is supported in its entirety by AMCA

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Joint Oliver’s Mount Racing / 243 Road Racing Association Statement re Coronavirus.

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Due to Government advice regarding the avoidance of mass gatherings, slowing the spread of the virus and not tying up essential NHS resource during the current situation, we have taken the unavoidable decision to postpone the Spring Cup from 18th / 19th April and we will be seeking approval from The ACU and Scarborough Borough Council to run the event as The Summer Cup over the weekend of the 15th / 16th August 2020.

All Spring Cup and Season tickets will be valid for the new dates and if anyone purchasing advanced or season tickets cannot or does not wish to attend the Summer Cup, they will be able to receive a refund.

At present, the Oliver’s Mount Festival, Barry Sheene Classic and Gold Cup events remain in the calendar as planned, but will be subject to further review as the situation progresses.

A further post will be released to update how those wishing to obtain a refund on tickets already purchased should progress once we have established a refund process with our ticketing partners, Duke Marketing Ltd.

We are very sorry for the inconvenience, especially for those that have booked accommodation etc. but hopefully it is apparent that we have tried our best to go ahead with The Spring Cup until postponement became inevitable.

‘Prosecution for those who break quarantine’

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From Three FM here

Those who disobey new quarantine rules on Island around Coronavirus would face prosecution.

Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, has announced this afternoon anyone arriving on Island by sea or air will have to self-isolate for 14 days as of tomorrow in efforts to prevent the global spread of COVID-19.

Health Minister, David Ashford MHK, confirmed it will be classed as an offence if those required to self-isolate are found not to be adhering to those restrictions.

Government officials have confirmed there are still no cases of the illness on Island.

TT 2020 Cancelled

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Isle of Man TT

Announcement from the Isle of Man TT Organisers.

As organisers of the Isle of Man TT Races, it is with deep regret that we must cancel the 2020 event. We share in the disappointment of having no TT in this year, but whole heartedly support any decision that helps to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of all residents, riders and visitors.

Staging the TT is no small undertaking and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the assistance, support and goodwill of countless businesses, organisations and volunteers. We will be talking to each and every one of you over the coming days and weeks about our next steps, but would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and understanding.

Both the Isle of Man and the TT Races have a long, incredible history, and have time and again proved to be as strong and resilient as they are unique. With the continued love and support of all TT fans, we can be confident that the greatest road race in the world will soon return and light up our lives once more.

A full statement on behalf of the Isle of Man Government Department for Enterprise can be found here

(or on the next page of this article on this site).

For the time being, please stay safe, healthy and happy, and we’ll see you all again soon.

The Isle of Man TT Races

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2020 World Championship Enrolment open

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Entries now Live on the FIM website , thanks Mike.

After another stunning season of competition for the FIM Superside last year we are now ready to kick off 2020.

2019 FIM Sidecar World Championship – Pannoniaring (Hungary) © Mark Walters

As previously announced, the first big news of the starting season is
Santander Salt Ltd & RKB Motorsport, Roger Body’s companies are joining FIM’ s force to promote and develop the FIM Sidecar World Championship.

Despite some recent changes due to Coronavirus, and subject to further developments, the 2020 FIM Sidecar Word Championship Calendar with some exciting changes and additions is now confirmed. 

— DOWNLOAD HERE —

  • 16-17 May – Lausitzring, Germany
  • 27-28 June – Pannoniaring, Hungary
  • 24-26 July – Brands Hatch, Great Britain 
  • 29-30 August – Rijeka, Croatia
  • 05 September – Le Mans, France
  • 17-20 September – Assen, The Netherlands
  • 03-04 October – Oschersleben, Germany
  • 24-25 October – Estoril, Portugal

Also, thanks to the new promoter, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Entry Portal for prospective competitors – CLICK HERE.

Molson British Sidecars

2020 Season almost ready for blast-off

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From Barry Nutley

It has been a long, wet winter, but the wait is almost over.

Before the teams assemble at the Oulton Park Circuit in Cheshire for the opening round, most of them will have spent an exhausting off-season building new machinery, and many will also have taken the annual pilgrimage to Val de Vienne for pre-season testing.

The registered number of teams for the series at the time of going to press, sits at twenty-five, with virtually all of those indicating a full season.

Add to those numbers any late entries, and the inevitable wild-cards from overseas, and it is a very promising line-up for British Championship honours.

Whilst reigning World Champions Tim Reeves and Mark Wilkes once again are placing sole focus on the FIM World Championship, now also promoted by RKB-F1, the former World Champions and multiple TT winners Ben and Tom Birchall have announced their intention to stay here in the UK to concentrate on their LCR chassis business, the Isle of Man TT, and the Molson Group series.

This is good news for British fans, and will give the Mansfield based brothers a real chance to lift the title with consistent UK appearances. Apart from 600cc Cup success in 2016, the British premier sidecar championship has hitherto not been high on their list or priorities.

The increased profile of sidecar racing in the UK, and the wide exposure given by the live Eurosport TV coverage, has resulted in a far greater sense of achievement and reward for those crews who aspire to be champions.

There is however, an ever-increasing number of crews lining up to claim the prize.

Among them, the Santander Salt sponsored outfits of reigning champions Todd Ellis and Charlie Richardson, and 2018 champion Steve Kershaw, who is breaking in a new passenger in the shape of the very enthusiastic and capable Jason Pitt.

Both these teams will be combining the domestic challenge with a full onslaught for FIM World honours.

The same is true of the Silicone Barnes Racing outfits of John Holden/Jake Lowther and Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney. The distinctive blue and white livery of these crews was omni-present at the sharp end of the British Championship last season, so expect nothing less in 2020.

A second consecutive season following a year out with injury is very much on the cards for Chris Walker and Ashley Hawes. The TAG Racing Yamaha duo were really in the groove at the end of last year, and Chris is hungry for victory. The former Superbike and solo star has yet to climb to the top step of the podium, but the signs are all there that 2020 could be the year that happens. Walker and Hawes will also be targeting selected World rounds, so the British presence on the FIM stage will be a strong one.

Former double champions Ricky Stevens and Ryan Charlwood have ended any speculation about their future together, by once again lining up in Kawasaki colours as part of the Massingberd Mundy official Green Team. They are keen to reclaim the titles they won on the 1000cc bike, being strong advocates of the successful move to 600cc power. Expect also to see them doubling up with World Championship rides where they see fit. Team-mate is once again Ben Holland, who this year is joined by Jed Pilmoor-Brady. A former regular at the front, Ben has lost none of his speed, and shows a real passion to get back in the winning groove.

Young talent comes in the form of Tommy Philp, now partnered with Tom Bryant. Sponsored by Roberts Construction and Tops Autos, the Yamaha pair showed their worth as newcomers towards the end of last season, and will almost definitely be among the front runners from the word go this year.

Rob Biggs and Jeroen Schmitz are another young pairing with huge potential, and are now well accustomed to each other and the  Taurus Tools outfit, although they are now favouring Yamaha power over the tried and trusted Honda CBR 600.

There is now strength in depth all down the field with a strong blend of experience and youthful talent. Thirty crews on most grids will indeed be a spectacle, and as the final plans are put in place for the new season, it is truly a mouth-watering prospect lying ahead of us.

We will be previewing the opening round at Oulton Park shortly, and updating you with any last-minute changes and rider additions.

Meanwhile, work goes on behind the scenes to fine-tune and tweak what will undeniably be a stellar year for sidecar racing both here and on the world stage.