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| Southern 100 Cancelled - Official Press Release
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 The Committee of Southern '100' Motorcycle Racing
Limited met this evening [Wednesday 11th July] to
discuss the ongoing situation within the UK of the
Foot & Mouth epidemic and the continuing effects on
Motorcycle Road Racing on the Isle of Man.
The Chairman, Secretary and Clerk of the Course had
met with the Ministry of Agriculture's Veterinary
experts earlier in the week, as part of the club's
agreed procedures and were advised that there was
still serious concerns that the disease could reach
the Island.
In turn the farming community which surrounds the
Billown Course have been consulted, and whilst none
wished to see the 2001 event cancelled, concern was
expressed at maintaining risks to a level acceptable
to all concerned.
Therefore Southern '100' Motorcycle Racing has
decided, with regret to cancel the ""Steam Packet"
Southern '100' National Road Races for 2001.
Having previously, postponed the races from the
'traditional' July dates, to September in the hope
that the outbreaks in the adjacent island would had
been contained, and being granted a one-off Sunday
Racing Road Closing Order the organisers are bitterly
disappointed that no racing will take place on the
Billown Circuit during this year.
Chairman, Derek Nicholson said: "It is regretted that
we, as a club, have had to call off this years events,
especially so, with all the efforts put in by the
committee to see racing taking place in the south of
the Isle of Man during this year, but having due
regard for all the co-operation the club receives
annually from the farmers, landowners, as well as the
government agencies and in the best interests of the
Manx community as a whole, to 'lose' one year for
their continued long term support is a small price to
pay."
Secretary George Peach added: " It is perhaps more
disappointing that the 'new dates' have had to be
abandoned - as such a wonderful response had been
received from competitors wishing to enter - all we
can ask them is to keep their enthusiasm intact, until
next May [Pre-TT Classic] and July [Southern'100'].
"All entries fees, received, have not been banked and
monies will be returned in the next day or so.
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