Carryduff Forklifts/GSMCC rider Michael Pearson has been forced to give this year's Southern 100 Road Races in the Isle of Man a miss as tight financial restraints on the team make it impossible to attend the event.

After suffering considerable damage to the team's Supersport 600 Honda at the Bush Road Races two weeks ago, the cost of repairing the bike has made the trip to the Isle of Man a non  starter. However, Pearson will still travel to the Cock O' The North Races in Scarborough on the weekend of the 10-11th July before returning home to the Kells Road Races the following week.

"Unfortunately, it's just not viable for us to take in the Southern 100 in the Isle of Man. It's bitterly disappointing, but you have got to put your priorities in order and not put yourself in debt by trying to take in meetings that your budget does not permit," said the former Irish Superbike Champion

"We have had to burn the midnight oil in getting the 600 back into race trim before this weekend's Skerries road races, and in doing that it has taken up a huge chunk of our planned budget. The boys have worked hard this past two weeks and we will have the 600 back on the road at Skerries, fingers crossed.    

"I am looking forward to the Skerries meeting where I will be riding in three races, the Senior, the Supersport 600, and the Grand Final. I will be going to Scarborough, that was never an issue, but it was my wish to compete in the Southern 100, but not this time."