Covid restrictions have forced Southern 100 bosses to cancel the 2021 race programme.

Organisers looked at alternative dates later in the year, however the concern of the Chief Medical Officer was that sufficient medical cover could not be guaranteed later in the year.

A similar situation could exist regarding marshalling the course, with the organisers having to rely more and more on visiting ‘orange army’ personnel, so it has been ditched.

“It is very disappointing that the club have had to make this decision after what appeared circumstances would be favourable to run the Southern 100 in July, as normal,” said club chairman George Peach.

“Behind the scenes during the winter we have been busy getting all the paperwork in order and in constant contact with our race partners, sponsors, government agencies and others vital to getting the races organised and ready to run – all of whom have been fully behind us for the races to be run on their traditional dates.

“It will certainly be a major blow to our competitors, many of whom make the Southern 100 their feature event of the year, as well as the numerous fans and enthusiasts who travel across annually to enjoy the exciting, close massed-start races on the Colas Billown Course – all of which were prevented from attending in 2020 and were looking forward to making their journeys across the Irish Sea later this year.”