Ian Lougher is to make a triumphant return to the 2023 Southern 100 after an absence of a decade from the Manx road race.

The Welshman remains the most successful rider in the Southern 100’s near 70-year history, accumulating 32 wins over a distinguished road racing career that saw him achieve great success at the Isle of Man TT and North West 200.

Having spent more recent years focusing on his Team ILR road racing outfit, 59-year old Lougher has opted to make a surprise return to the Southern 100, held on the 4.25-mile Billown Circuit close to Castletown.

He will ride one of the Team ILR Paton S1-R machines alongside team-mate Joe Yeardsley in what will be his first start since 2013.

"I'm looking forward to linking up again with Joe Yeardsley at Billown. Joe demonstrated at Oliver's Mount that he and the Paton are a good fit and he will certainly be one to watch over the four days of action. 

“For myself, riding at Billown will give me the opportunity to get some more racing miles under my belt in preparation for the Manx, in addition to this I love the Southern 100 and the club are the best in the world.

“The last time I rode there was back in 2013, but the circuit still goes the same way!”

Lougher’s success at the Southern 100 stretches back 40 years having made his inaugural appearance in 1983. 

In a distinguished road racing career, in addition to his 32 Southern 100 wins Lougher scored ten wins and 30 podiums at the Isle of Man TT and was a winner at the North West 200 on eight occasions.

The 2023 Southern 100 kicks off on 10 July with practice sessions leading to the races held between Tuesday 11 July and Thursday 13 July.