A long serving stalwart of the Southern 100 has decided to hang-up his ‘clipboard’ after almost 40 year’s involvement with the ‘friendly races’.

Don Fairbairn took on the role of Catering Officer in 1984, when the current races had recently come under running of the present organisers and continued in that role until 1996 when he became Deputy Clerk of Works, responsible for the set-up and maintenance of the 4.25-mile Billown course.

Two years later he became Clerk of Works, a position he held for ten years before reverting to Deputy CoW, as a new CoW learnt the ‘ropes.

2012 saw the unassuming elder statesman of the club join the Paddock Controllers Team where he continued his commitment to the races for another seven years, which would have been eight had not the current Covid Pandemic interrupted proceedings in 2020!

2012 also saw Don Fairbairn made an Honorary Vice President, the first of two since the club’s constitution was set in 1982.


At a special presentation during the Southern 100 Racing’s AGM, Club President, Phil Taubman MBE, thanked Don for his time, support and enthusiasm and hard work, which had helped the Southern 100 Road Races, along with the Pre TT-Classic & Post TT Road Races gain the esteemed status that the meeting holds today in road racing.

The President concluded saying that Don and his wife Barbara were always welcome to come and enjoy the races, which he had helped organise and run for 40 years and enjoy the famous hospitality the club is renowned for!

Don will of course remain an Honorary Vice President, along with Dr David Stevens MBE.


(Photo depicts Don Fairbairn receiving a Log Service Certificate from Club President Phil Taubman MBE – courtesy of Rachel Palmer)