Organisers for the 2023 Southern 100 have expressed their ‘sincere thanks and appreciation’ for the kind messages and support it has received in the wake of a serious incident that claimed the lives of two people.
A competing rider and a marshal - both male, but as of writing not publicly named - were killed in an accident that involved two riders, a marshal and a spectator on 11 July [Tuesday].
Occurring during qualifying practice for the 1100cc class, one of several classes competing at the 4.8-mile Billown Circuit on the Isle of Man, organising committee - the Southern 100 Motorcycle Racing Club - would later announce the remainder of the event would be cancelled.
While details around the accident and the circumstances that led to it remain scarce, in the meantime the organisers have issued a statement expressing their gratitude to the support received in the wake of the ‘very traumatic’ incident.
“The Southern 100 Motorcycle Racing Club would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation of all the kind messages of support and understanding that have been received since the sad and very traumatic incident during practice for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races on Tuesday evening 11th July which resulted in this year’s event being cancelled.
“As promoters, we are extremely grateful to everyone who have been involved in the 2023 Southern 100 for the time, hard work, and dedication in the preparation, running of the event and continued help and assistance as we bring this year’s event to a close after the traumatic Tuesday evening.
“To all involved with the incident on the By-Pass we thank you for your professionalism and dedication to your duties, we will be forever grateful.
“To the families and friends of the rider and marshal who died we offer our sincere condolences and to the families and friends of the rider and spectator injured a speedy and full recovery.”
Teams and riders have also taken to social media to express their support towards the victims and the wider road racing family.
