Steam Packet Southern 100 International Road Races

This year’s Southern 100 races brought us a mixture of some of the closest and most exciting ever seen at Billown; but also the tragic accident that claimed the life of sidecar ace Phil Dongworth in an accident at Ballanorris during practice on Tuesday. The organisers coped admirably with all of the challenges thrown at them; including Monday’s weather which meant that only untimed practice could take place.

On Tuesday the accident involving Phil Dongworth and an earlier accident at Iron Gate involving newcomer Phillip Creaser meant that time was short when the first races of the amended race programme began.

First away was the Corlett’s Senior Solo Founders Race, combining 1000cc and 600cc machines. The daylight was already fading as the starting lights changed to green and the field charged away towards Ballakeighan.  At the first commentary point Ryan Farquhar held a tiny advantage from Guy Martin and Conor Cummins. At Castletown Corner, Ryan still held this advantage from Guy and Conor. Michael Dunlop was nearly two seconds behind them on the Uel Duncan Honda, which did not seem to be handling well. Ian Lougher was clear in fifth; behind him it was a close battle for sixth between James McBride and Mark Buckley. The leading 600cc machine as the field streamed past was that of Roy Richardson.

The leading three were in the same positions on lap two, with just a machine’s length between Farquhar and Martin, with Cummins holding a watching brief a couple of machine’s lengths behind Martin.  Dunlop and Lougher were settled in their positions; but behind them some good duels were being fought out, involving, McBride and Buckley; Mark Parrett, Paul Dobbs and Scott Wilson. The race was a compelling, if brief spectacle for the spectators around the circuit.

On lap 3 Martin had the Hydrex Honda in the lead, but with Farquhar and Cummins right in his wheel tracks. The leading three were now lapping at over 110mph; no mean feat in the light conditions and with some yellow flags out around the course. Lap 3 saw the end of Davy Morgan’s race; he was the only rider not to complete the race.

On lap 4 Farquhar had his Kawasaki in the lead again; but a good beach towel would have covered the first 3 as they accelerated away along the bypass. Dunlop was dropping back from the leading trio, but edging away from Lougher. McBride was just keeping Buckley at bay, whilst Parrett had moved up to 8th.

On lap 5 it was Martin at the head of events again; but it was by just a metre as they hammered along the bypass to begin the final lap. As is so often the case at Billown the final corner proved decisive. Ryan got the better of Guy on the brakes and took victory by just 0.144s; with Conor Cummins 0.68s further behind. Roy Richardson duly took the spoils in the 600cc race from Victor Gilmore and Chris Palmer.

Corlett’s Senior Solo Founders Race

1.       Ryan Farquhar                            KMR Kawasaki                            108.748mph

2.       Guy Martin                 Hydrex Honda                   108.728mph

3.       Conor Cummins                           McAdoo Kawasaki                108.640mph

4.       Michael Dunlop                 Robinson Honda                107.283mph

5.       Ian Lougher                              Black Horse Yamaha                107.018mph

6.       James McBride                             Pazzo Yamaha                                103.907mph

 

600cc Class

1.       Roy Richardson                         Barnes Yamaha                                102.515mph

2.       Victor Gilmore                             Lindsay Yamaha                                100.684mph

3.       Chris Palmer                 Moore Honda                     99.309mph

The final race of the evening was the Station Garage 125cc / 400cc Race. Here the classes started one minute apart, the 125ccs first. The sun was well below the horizon as the by now bright starting lights gave the signal for the riders to begin battle. The slick starting procedure had both classes away without a hitch. At the end of the first lap we had the three leading 125cc machines spread across the track, with William Dunlop half a wheel ahead of Ian Lougher and Chris Palmer. They were well clear of the pursuing pack. In the 400cc class it was all over bar the shouting, Roy Richardson had a big lead over team mate Andy Cowin, who was in turn well ahead of the remainder of the field.

At the end of lap 2 Palmer was a metre in the lead from Lougher, who was a similar distance ahead of Dunlop. The three remained virtually inseparable as the charged between the hedges in the failing light. We were all expecting a dramatic last lap shoot-out as we heard the leaders approach at the end of the third lap. However it was the chequered flag, not the expected 1 lap flag, which greeted the leaders as they approached the line. Palmer was just in front of Lougher, with Dunlop right on his back wheel and expecting to be able to pass both of the men in front on what was scheduled to have been the fourth and final lap. However, the imminent end of the road closing order meant that racing under the street lights of Castletown had to be curtailed. There were no dramas in the 400c class; Richardson winning comfortably from Cowin and Mark Parrett.

That was not the end of matters; a complaint regarding an alleged yellow flag infringement was received and the first three in the 125cc race were penalized 30 seconds. However, after they appealed and lap times were closely scrutinized the penalty was rescinded; a decision that was deemed to be correct by all of those that I spoke to in the paddock.

125cc Class

1.       Chris Palmer                 Mannin Honda                   82.225mph

2.       Ian Lougher                              Jackson Honda                   82.168mph                      

3.       William Dunlop                 Flynn Honda                   82.126mph

400cc Class

1.       Roy Richardson                         Morrisey Yamaha                83.282mph

2.       Andy Cowin                   Morrisey Yamaha                81.146mph

3.       Mark Parrett                  Intersport Honda                79.064mph

 

Wednesday evening’s races were shortened to enable to organisers to accommodate the Classic Race that could not be run on Tuesday.                The first race away was the Total Oils Senior Race. Guy Martin was leading when the race had to be red flagged on the second lap after Mark Parrett crashed out at Ballawhetstone. He was taken to hospital with rib injuries; we wish him a speedy recovery.  Guy Martin was first into Ballabeg Hairpin on the opening lap of the re-started 6 lap race. Ian Lougher held second, Ryan Farquhar third, Conor Cummins fourth, Michael Dunlop fifth and James McBride sixth as they accelerated away towards Ballawhetstone. On lap 2 Martin had opened a 30 metres gap over Farquhar and Cummins, who held a 20 metres advantage over Lougher and Dunlop, who were well clear of McBride.

On lap 3 Farquhar had reduced Martin’s lead, whilst he had pulled 10 metres ahead of Cummins as the pace of the race increased to over 111mph. Dunlop had passed Lougher and behind him McBride was coming under pressure from Mark Buckley. Throughout the field there was very close racing to keep the large crowd entertained.  On lap 4 Martin’s lead was down to just a couple of metres over Farquhar with Cummins now a similar distance behind Farquhar. Cummins had set a new outright lap record at 112.185mph and Farquhar had lapped at 112.030mph on the third lap.

On lap 5 a blanket would have covered the first three as they braked hard for the hairpin; Martin just retaining his lead as they threw the machines into the corner. Dunlop and Lougher had dropped further behind this battle; with McBride and Buckley scrapping for sixth 15s behind them. The race was providing a great spectacle; it was a shame that it was only for six laps. At Ballabeg on the final lap there were mere inches between the three leaders; Martin still at the head of events. At the sharp right hander at Cross Four Ways, Farquhar was better on the brakes and managed to squeeze into the lead. Despite Martin’s best efforts he could not re-pass and had to settle for second after a truly wonderful race.

Total Oils Senior Race

1.       Ryan Farquhar                            KMR Kawasaki                            110.314mph

2.       Guy Martin                  Hydrex Honda                   110.277mph

3.       Conor Cummins                           McAdoo Kawasaki                110.214mph

4.       Michael Dunlop                 Robinson Honda                108.569mph

5.       Ian Lougher                              Blackhorse Yamaha                108.170mph

6.       James McBride                             Pazzo Yamaha                                105.073mph

The next race was the Mann Auto 250cc race which had only 13 starters. Chris Palmer and Ian Lougher were quickest away from the lights and had a 50 metres advantage over Davy Morgan as they reached Ballabeg for the first time. William Dunlop was a further 20 metres behind, a clutch problem causing him to have a slow start; so leaving him with a big problem in a race over just four laps.

On lap 2 Palmer still held a narrow lead from Lougher; but he was having problems with handling; new parts for the Mannin Honda had not arrived. William Dunlop was in third and had closed to within 15 metres of the leaders.  On lap 3 Dunlop had the lead by a metre as they skirted the wall on the inside of the hairpin and accelerated away. The pace at the front was rapid, Palmer unable to keep pace with the two leaders on the ill handling Mannin Honda. Dunlop made a mistake at Cross Four ways gifting the lead back to Lougher. On the final lap Lougher still had a machine’s length advantage as they rounded the hairpin. However William was not to be denied; with a new class lap record of 103.231mph he was able to snatch victory by just 0.147s. Palmer duly secured the final podium place.

Mann Auto car Sales 250cc Race

1.       William Dunlop                                 Honda                                   100.513mph

2.       Ian Lougher                              Barnes Honda                   100.488mph

3.       Chris Palmer                 Mannin Honda                     99.082mph

4.       Davy Morgan                                CSC Branson Honda     96.838mph

5.       Kevin Strowger                            Honda                                     94.468mph

6.       Lee Vernon                 Honda                                     94.435mph

The next race was the Radcliffe Butchers 600cc race and it provided some motorcycling fillet steak for the crowd. Fastest out of the blocks was Ryan Farquhar; he had a very slight advantage from Ian Lougher and Guy Martin as they blasted towards us from the tricky Iron Gate / Ballanorris section. Roy Richardson held fourth just ahead of the slow starting Michael Dunlop. Another slow starter was Conor Cummins who was in seventh place. This race proved to be as good as the earlier Senior Race with close racing right throughout the field.

On lap 2 Farquhar and Lougher had opened a 15 metres gap over Martin. Dunlop had passed Richardson and was closing the gap on Martin. Cummins had taken sixth place from Chris Palmer, but was 5s down on the leader. On lap 3 Farquhar still held a marginal advantage over Lougher, whose machine was slightly down on top speed. Behind them Dunlop had caught Martin and was trying to ease his way past. On the fourth lap Farquhar had increased his lead to 10 metres over Lougher. Behind them Dunlop had passed Martin and was cutting the deficit to Lougher. Cummins was also on the move, he had taken fifth place from Richardson with the aid of his best lap of the race.

On lap 5 Farquhar led by jus 5 metres from Lougher, with Dunlop now just 20 metres further behind and closing fast; in fact so fast that he set a new class lap record at 108.464mph on this lap. The last lap promised to be very interesting. For Guy Martin the race was run; he pulled in at Ballabeg. He did re-start but only made it to Billown Farm where he parked the Honda.  On the last lap Farquhar led by a metre; Dunlop grabbed the inside line and second place from Lougher. His better top end speed allowed him to pass Farquhar at Stadium; however Ryan took a wide line at Castletown Corner and got the better drive out of the corner to take victory by just 0.047s after a marvellous race. Lougher took third place 1.5s further back.

Radcliffe Butchers 600cc Race

1.       Ryan Farquhar                            KMR Kawasaki                            106.499mph

2.       Michael Dunlop                 Marlow Yamaha                106.493mph

3.       Ian Lougher                              Blackhorse Yamaha                106.307mph

4.       Conor Cummins                           McAdoo Kawasaki                104.814mph

5.       Roy Richardson                         Barnes Yamaha                                104.492mph

6.       Mark Buckley                                OTSS Yamaha                                103.415mph

The next race was the Vehicle Sourcing Centre Sidecar Race. The riders wore black armbands and the outfits all had Dongo emblazoned upon them; the competitors’ tribute to their fallen colleague.

Fastest away from the lights was Ireson Honda of Steven Coombes and Paul Knapton. They were 10 metres ahead of Ian Bell and son Carl on the LCR Yamaha. The veteran pairing of Roy Hanks and Dave Wells held third a further 10 metres astern. Greg Lambert; Gary Bryan and Neil Kelly completed the top six. On lap 2 Coombes had doubled his advantage over Bell, who in turn had pulled away from Hanks. Lambert was 50 metres ahead of the battle for fifth between Bryan and Kelly. On lap 3 Bell was right with Coombes and looking for a chance to pass. These two were now 3s clear of Hanks. There was no change on lap 4, Bell still harassing Coombes and looking for a chance to take a victory.

Try as he might Bell could not find a way to pass Coombes, who put up the fastest lap of the race on lap 5 in his effort to protect his lead. As the flag dropped to end an emotion charged race it was Coombes who took the spoils by just 0.5s from Bell. Hanks took the final podium place, 16s behind Bell. Greg Lambert just held onto fourth with Gary Partridge, the man who passengered Phil Dongworth to second place in the TT.

Vehicle Sourcing Centre Sidecar Race

1.       Steven Coombes / Paul                 Knapton                Ireson Honda                   94.164mph

2.       Ian Bell / Carl Bell                                        LCR Yamaha                                94.116mph

3.       Roy Hanks / Dave Wells                                    Rose II Molyneux                92.580mph

4.       Greg Lambert / Gary Partridge                           GLR Honda                   91.687mph

5.       Neil Kelly / Jason O’Connor                            Ireson Honda                   91.617mph

6.       Gary Bryan / Jamie Winn                     Baker Yamaha                                90.871mph

The final race of the evening was a four lap dash for the Classic & Forgotten Era machines. There was again a very small field for this event and its future inclusion in the programme must be in doubt    . Jamie O’Brien on one of the two Forgotten Era machines was first from the lights and led by a few metres as the machines reached Ballabeg for the first time. Alec Whitwell was second with Dave Madsen-Mygdal on his rear wheel. Allan Brew held fourth, Anthony Redmond fifth and Billy Lyle sixth. Lap 2 saw Madsen-Mygdal in the lead from O’Brien. Whitwell had 5 metres advantage over the soon to retire Brew. Madsen-Mygdal had a 6s advantage as he rounded the hairpin for the third time and seemingly had the race in the bag. However it was not to be; his machine slowed allowing both O’Brien and Whitwell to pass him; his sole consolation being the fastest lap at 88.503mph.

Castletown Auto Sales Classic Race

1.       Jamie O’Brien                                350 Scott Yamaha                                85.839mph

2.       Alec Whitwell                             560 Bates Honda                   85.186mph

3.       Dave Madsen-Mygdal                750 Triumph                                             84.751mph

Championship Thursday was bright and quite cool; a welcome change from the rain of the last two years. The taster was the 600cc B Race. This proved to be a classic in its own right with the top four scrapping like hungry jackals over a carcass. Alistair Haworth was the leader at Cross Four Ways on lap 1; he had Sean Murphy, Stephen McIlvenna and Dennis Booth across the track behind him. On lap 2 Booth had taken the lead but the others were just a couple of metres behind and again right across the track fighting it out on the brakes giving the crowd some great entertainment.  The battle royale continued throughout the race with positions changing constantly. However Booth got the better of things on the final lap and took a hard fought victory, with newcomer Sean Murphy taking second.

600cc B Race

1.       Dennis Booth                    Yamaha                                99.342mph

2.       Sean Murphy                                Honda                   99.134mph

3.       Stephen McIlvenna                Yamaha                                99.033mph

4.       Alistair Haworth                Suzuki                   98.970mph

 

Course conditions were perfect for the 600cc A Race, with hazy sunshine and a very light breeze. Those of us expecting a classic battle were not disappointed. On the opening lap it was Ryan Farquhar who had a small lead as the field braked hard into Cross Four Ways for the first time. Behind him in formation were Ian Lougher, Conor Cummins and Michael Dunlop.  Mark Buckley was close behind in fifth, with Roy Richardson holding onto sixth. On lap two the order was the same at the four leaders anchored up sharply for the corner; just ten metres covering them as they upped their pace. Buckley was now 1.5s down on Dunlop with Richardson 3s behind Buckley. The order remained the same for the next three laps, with mere inches between each of the bikes as they charged past the cottage and on towards Church Bends.

On lap 6 Farquhar still led; Cummins tried to pass Lougher but could not make it stick. Dunlop remained right on their exhaust pipes as the pace continued to increase. Farquhar was still the leader as they screamed past us for the seventh time; Cummins and Dunlop had both passed Lougher and were looking to grab victory. On the final lap Farquhar led by 0.75s as they took the sharp right hander for the final time. He had upped his pace further to set a new record lap speed of 108.728mph to ensure that he would secure his fourth win of the meeting. Cummins put in his best lap to secure second from a somewhat disappointed Dunlop. Just one second covered them at the end. This had been another superb race run at record pace with the margin of victory again less than one second.

S & S Motors 600cc Race

1.       Ryan Farquhar                            KMR Kawasaki                            106.879mph

2.       Conor Cummins                           McAdoo Kawasaki                106.800mph

3.       Michael Dunlop                 Yamaha                                                106.786mph

4.       Ian Lougher                              Blackhorse Yamaha                106.683mph

5.       Mark Buckley                                OTSS Yamaha                                104.527mph

6.       Roy Richardson                         Barnes Yamaha                                104.130mph

The final race of the morning was the Sidecar Consolation. Early pace setter Gary Bryan was eventually overhauled by slow starter Glyn Jones who won the race by just 0.574s after four laps of racing. For most this was just extra practice for the afternoon’s championship.

Sidecar Consolation

1.       Glyn Jones / Jason Slous                                     DSC Honda                   92.471mph

2.       Gary Bryan / Jamie Winn                     Baker Yamaha                                92.391mph

3.       David Hirst / Keir Pedley                  Shelbourne Honda                90.372mph

The afternoon brought warm sunshine and some very hot racing. First away was the 250cc race, the small number of competitors did not detract from what was an excellent battle at the front.  Leading as they swept right then left between the whitewashed walls at Church bends was William Dunlop. He led by 5 metres from Chris Palmer, with Ian Lougher the same distance behind in third. Barry Davidson was fourth, Kevin Strowger fifth and Davy Morgan sixth.  On lap 2 Dunlop’s lead had doubled, with Palmer also further ahead of Lougher. Morgan and Nigel Moore had passed Strowger. On lap 3 the lead was again larger; but Palmer was being closed down by Lougher. 

William Dunlop continued to increase his lead on lap 4 with the aid of a class lap record of 103.614mph. Palmer was aware of Lougher’s presence and upped his pace to over 103mph on this lap. On lap 5 Dunlop led by 1.5s at Church, with Palmer 20 metres in front of Lougher. Dunlop maintained his advantage to the flag; Palmer was able to keep Lougher at bay. On the final lap Nigel Moore was able to squeeze past Davy Morgan.

Harlequin Oil Tanks 250cc Race

1.       William Dunlop                 Honda                                   102.332mph

2.       Chris Palmer                 Mannin Honda                   102.042mph

3.       Ian Lougher                              Barnes Honda                   102.014mph

The next race was the second Classic / Forgotten Era race. Jamie O’Brien grabbed the early initiative but Dave Madsen-Mygdal had the big Triumph in the lead as the engines reverberated amongst the walls on the second lap. The race became somewhat processional as the gaps widened on each lap.

Buchanan BMW Classic & Forgotten Era Race

1.       Dave Madsen-Mygdal                 750 Triumph                             88.069mph

2.       Jamie O’Brien                                                350 Scott Yamaha                87.739mph

3.       Alec Whitwell                                             560 Bates Honda                85.960mph

 

The 125cc and 400cc race run next provided some quality racing; with new lap records for each class.  The 125cc machines started first and it was the usual suspects, William Dunlop, Chris Palmer and Ian Lougher who reached Church first in line astern. Barry Davidson was fourth, Sam Dunlop just behind him in fifth, with Lee Vernon sixth. Roy Richardson already led by 1.75s as the 400cc machines flicked right and left between the walls. Alistair Haworth was second, Andy Cowin third, Dave Madsen-Mygdal fourth, Dave Moffitt fifth and Ross Johnson sixth. On lap 2 Dunlop led by 30 metres from Lougher with Palmer third. Dan Sayle was up to fourth ahead of Sam Dunlop and Davidson. In the 400cc class Richardson had a 5s lead over team mate Andy Cowin. Madsen-Mygdal was the new third placeman, Moffitt fourth, Johnson fifth and Dave Taylor sixth.

The little Mannin Honda had to be parked on the third lap; ending Palmer’s hopes. At the sharp end Lougher had closed to within a couple of metres of William Dunlop. They had a comfortable 12s lead over Dan Sayle on the little KTM. In the 400cc class Richardson was stretching his lead; setting a new class lap record at 97.936mph on this lap. The only change in the 400s saw Chris Lee move up to sixth. On lap 4 Lougher led by 5 metres from Dunlop as the pace increased. He continued to lead on lap 5; but it was not to be for him; as he encountered a problem, Dunlop blasted around to set a new class lap record at 97.386mph to claim the win by 6s.

IOMSPCo 125cc Race

1.       William Dunlop                                                 Honda                                   96.524mph

2.       Ian Lougher                                              Jackson Honda                   95.914mph

3.       Dan Sayle                                     KTM                                       91.252mph

400cc race

1.       Roy Richardson                                         Yamaha                                                96.524mph

2.       Andy Cowin                                   Yamaha                                                92.625mph

3.       Dave Madsen-Mygdal                 Honda                                   92.532mph

Then we came to the Solo Championship and it proved to be a contest of the very highest class providing the large crowd with an awesome spectacle as the riders chased the title at record speeds. The race was probably the finest seen for the championship; there have been close races but not involving four so evenly matched challengers.

Once again it was Ryan Farquhar who grabbed the early initiative; he led by a couple of metres from Guy Martin as they passed through Church for the first time. Conor Cummins was 5 metres further behind; with Michael Dunlop right on his rear wheel. Ian Lougher was established in the fifth position that he was destined to hold throughout the race. James McBride held sixth, but had Stephen Oates and Mark Buckley right behind him. For Buckley the race ended with a sixth lap retirement.

On lap 2 Farquhar continued to hold a slender advantage over Martin and Cummins; with Dunlop some 50 metres behind. Roger Maher who had been tenth got no further than Cross Four Ways where he slid off without injury. On lap 3 Farquhar led by 10 metres from Martin; with Cummins and Dunlop a similar distance apart. The battle for sixth was intensifying with Oates and Buckley right behind McBride. On lap 4 Dunlop had passed Cummins to take third, on a machine described by Ryan Farquhar as being “a missile.”

On lap 5 Farquhar led by 15 metres, but from Dunlop; who led Martin and Cummins by a similar distance. The pace was rapid with all of the four leaders lapping at over 112mph. Another change saw Oates move into fifth at the expense of McBride. There was no change in the order on laps 6 or 7, but the gaps became smaller as the race progressed.

Martin made his move and grabbed the lead on lap 8. Dunlop in second place was rapid on the straights but was slowing Farquhar in the twisty sections where the Kawasaki handled better. On lap 9 Martin continued to lead from Dunlop; but with just 0.6s covering the first four it was still a race any of them could win. The order was the same on the final lap as they hammered out of Church and on towards Great Meadow for the final time. The riders closed up as the end approached. Farquhar managed to edge past Dunlop on the run into Stadium but could not pass Martin on the final corner due to being held up slightly by a backmarker. Cummins was also able to pass Dunlop to secure a fine third place. No doubt Guy will be buying the PG Tips for the next six months to thank his crew. This was road racing at its absolute best; hopefully 2010 will be as good.

ProTours Solo Championship

1.       Guy martin                 Hydrex Honda                   110.618mph

2.       Ryan Farquhar                            KMR Kawasaki                            110.604mph

3.       Conor Cummins                           McAdoo Kawasaki                110.550mph

4.       Michael Dunlop                 Robinson Honda                110.549mph

5.       Ian Lougher                              Blackhorse Yamaha                107.744mph

6.       Stephen Oates                                Hallett Suzuki                   106.502mph

The Sidecar Championship offered the chance of a re-match between Steven Coombes and Ian Bell.  This time it was Bell who was fastest away from the lights. He held a narrow lead as they drifted between the churchyard walls for the first time. Third was held by veteran crew of Roy Hanks and Dave Wells. Greg Lambert / Gary Partridge were fourth; Gary Bryan / Jamie Winn held fifth from Glynn Jones / Jason Slous on the recently acquired ex-Dave Molyneux outfit.  On lap 2 Bell still led but was under pressure from the hard charging Coombes. Lambert was also under pressure from Glynn Jones, who had passed Bryan.

On lap 3 Bell had increased his advantage to 20 metres. Hanks held third; but Jones was on a mission and had opened a 75 metres advantage over Lambert.  Lap 4 saw Bell’s advantage up to 3.9s as he accelerated out of the S bend. Lap 5 saw the positions unchanged, but Jones was cutting his deficit to Hanks quite quickly. On lap 6 Jones took third from Hanks.

Lap 7 saw no change in the leading positions. As the midfield riders were rounding the bends the red flag came out to a collective intake of breath from the spectators who feared that another bad accident had occurred. Seven Coombes and Paul Knapton had gone into Ballakeighan a little too hot and had clipped the bales on the exit; thank fully neither had more than injured pride. The race was over and Ian Bell, with son Carl, was the Champion nine years after his last Sidecar Championship win and 22 years after his Solo Championship win. Jones and Hanks took the final positions on a rather frosty podium.

Petrochem Carless Fuels Sidecar Championship

1.       Ian Bell / Carl Bell                        LCR Yamaha                                95.249mph

2.       Glynn Jones / Jason Slous                DSC Honda                   94.025mph

3.       Roy Hanks / Dave Wells                    Rose II Molyneux                93.965mph

4.       Greg Lambert / Gary Partridge                GLR Honda                   93.624mph

5.       Gary Bryan / Jamie Winn                 Baker Yamaha                                93.564mph

6.       Neil Kelly / Jason O’Connor                Ireson Honda                   92.078mph

The afternoon ended with the Senior Consolation Race; for those who did not qualify for the Solo Championship. Sean Murphy blotted his copybook and damaged his chances with a very obvious jump start that incurred a 10s penalty. Stephen McIlvenna was the first to reach Church. Murphy was narrowly ahead of Andrew Brown and Neil Watson on the road; but 9.8s down on corrected time. McIlvenna controlled the race from the front and gradually pulled away from the pursuing pack. Watson passed Brown at cross Four Ways on lap 2 and held the position to the end of the race, to take second on time. Murphy held second place on the road; but his time penalty dropped him to fourth on corrected time.

So ended Southern 100 2009; which featured the highs and lows of real road racing. The highs were provided by some of the greatest racing ever seen on the circuit; the low by the death of Phil Dongworth.  The organisers met every challenge thrown at them with their usual calm authority and managed to make everyone feel welcome at all times. The marshals were marvellous; without them we would have no racing to watch, photograph, or write about; a big thank you is due to them. Finally my thanks go to Press Officer Phil Edge for his help during the meeting.