Practice for the annual Steam Packet Southern 100 road races on the Isle of Man gets under way on Monday, when Michael Dunlop is set to renew his rivalry with Tyco Suzuki’s Guy Martin.

Dunlop was in a class of his own last year at the Billown circuit and will ride the Honda TT Legends Superbike this week as he bids to defend his Solo Championship title for a third time – a feat that would see him emulate his uncle Joey, who won the feature race three times in succession from 1976-1978.

The seven-times TT winner’s opposition includes former Solo champion Martin, who had to play second fiddle to the 24-year-old last summer.


Dunlop said: “The Southern is one of my favourite meetings of the year and I love the circuit as well.

“They know how to look after you over there and hopefully we can hold onto the Solo title again.

“It’ll be nice to get back out onto the TT Legends bike again and we’ll go and give it our best.”

Bradford’s Dean Harrison, one of the rising stars of the Isle of Man TT, plus William Dunlop, Ramsey’s Conor Cummins and fellow Manxman Dan Kneen along with Ulster trio Michael Pearson, Davy Morgan and Paul Cranston are also among the entries.

William Dunlop will race at Billown on his CD Racing/Milwaukee Yamaha R6 as he attempts to push Michael all the way in the Supersport class, buoyed by his victory on Saturday at Skerries.

Dunlop will also compete in the two-stroke classes this week.

Ballyclare’s Jamie Hamilton earned his first major road racing victory at the Southern 100 a year ago, defeating team boss Ryan Farquhar to earn a win in the Supertwin class and setting a new lap record into the bargain on the KMR Kawasaki ER6.

Hamilton expects some stiff competition this time from Harrison on the 650 machines.

“The races should be close this year and Dean Harrison went well at the Post-TT meeting,” he said.

“We’ve found something with my bike since then and hopefully we can get some more decent results.”

Also on the entry list are Ivan Lintin and James Cowton, with Ian Lougher another leading contender.

The Lightweight classes will see renewed rivalry between Chris Palmer, William Dunlop, Lougher, Nigel Moore and Ballymena’s Sam Wilson, while Paul Robinson will make his debut at the event on his Aprilia.

Full grids are the order of the day for the Sidecar class with current champions Ben and Tom Birchall hoping to retain their title following on from their maiden victory at the TT last month.

Fellow TT winners Tim Reeves and Dan Sayle represent tough opposition.

A total of 14 races are scheduled, with practice taking place on Monday. Final qualifying and the opening two races will be held on Tuesday, culminating with the main championship races on Thursday.




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