Five-time Southern 100 champion Ian Lougher rode his final race on the Billown Course the day after celebrating his 50th birthday in the paddock.

The popular Welshman, whose record tally of 32 wins on the course is one more than the great Joey Dunlop’s, finished third in the combined Ultra-Lightweight race on his birthday (first 125 ahead of great rival Chris Palmer) and fifth in the solo championship race the following day.

‘I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed my racing on the Billown Course. It’s such a friendly meeting. I first rode here 30 years ago in 1983, so it’s an opportune time to bow out.’

Lougher will complete a glittering road racing career with outings at the Ulster Grand Prix, Classic TT, Scarborough and possibly a final outing at Macau in November.



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