The Isle of Man, famous as the ‘mecca of motorcycle road racing’ has since 1955 hosted a mass-start road race every July, The Southern 100 Road Races, so called as the feature race of the event was held over a race distance of 100 miles – 24 laps of the 4.25-mile Billown Course. Over the years since 1955 the Billown Course has become as familiar as the back of the hand to the riders who have graced the ribbon of road that makes up the Southern 100 Course, based on the outskirts of Castletown. Future British and indeed World Champions have raced around the undulating and technical course as they have headed for the chequered flag. For over 69 years the races on the Billown Course have drawn fans and riders to experience the unique atmosphere of the Southern 100 and more latterly the Pre-TT Road Races.