Being based in the Isle of Man, the Southern 100 (S100) has attracted plenty of ‘overseas’ riders since the event was born in 1955.
Competitors arrived from the adjacent islands of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and many still do in an annual pilgrimage to the races.
The annual July races have also attracted the ‘real’ overseas riders from Europe, America and the Antipodes.
Overseas riders
The first of what was then known as ‘the continental circus’ raced at the very first S100 was Gavin Dunlop from New Zealand, and 12 months later a fellow Kiwi, George Murphy also raced at Billown.
Over the past 68 years, most years have seen one or more continental visitors wanting to experience the 4.25 mile Billown Course.
2024 is no different with no less than seven solo competitors plus two sidecar crews and one sidecar passenger.
Possibly the most recognisable solo name is Finland’s Erno Kostamo who enjoyed a successful time at this year’s TT races.
Erno will race his BMW sponsored by 38 Motorsport by Penz 13.
Another BMW mounted rider, from Belgium riding for the Roads Warriors team is Jean Pierre Polet.
Frenchman Amalric Blanc rides a 1000 Honda CBR for Team b&m/hml, with another compatriot Cedric Assouvie will be BMW mounted.
Across the pond
Two have made the journey from the United States of America. From Fremont, David Thomas will be riding a 659 Aprilia for Obsession Engineering Ltd, whist Israel Gillette will be riding a 675 Triumph Daytona in the Supersport races.
Lastly in the solos is Logan Barker who has made the journey from Saskatchewan, Canada and will be riding a 650 Aprilia for McCrum’s Motorcycles.
Looking at the sidecar overseas crews, both teams are making their debuts at the Southern 100, Eric Lenser & Anais Rosset will be aboard their 599 DDM Suzuki, with Steveens Palacoeur & Yann Druel will be campaigning their 600 Vanneste Yamaha in both Sidecar races.
Frenchman Kevin Rousseau is also making his debut, alongside 2012 Sidecar Champion Ben Birchall.
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