July’s Southern 100 meeting at Billown is the latest sporting event to be cancelled because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers revealed their decision on Thursday morning. A statement said: ’Southern 100 Racing held a meeting of its senior race officials on Wednesday evening to discuss the running of Southern 100 either on the scheduled dates of July 6-9 or possibly postpone them until later in the year.

’It was decided after discussion regarding the present and on-going situation regarding the coronavirus crisis, the announcement by the Isle of Man Government’s Chief Minister that the current situation could continue for at least a further six months and after consultation with the club’s chief medical officer regarding the availability of doctors and paramedics to cover the races that we would have insufficient cover to run the races on the scheduled dates or any other.

’Doctors, paramedics and other medical people who live on the island will be similarly occupied at Noble’s and Ramsey Cottage Hospitals and other medical practices and, will like their UK counterparts, will be involved with the COVID-19 cover and unlikely to be allowed to take leave.

’Added to the lack of medical cover there is also the likelihood of a shortage of race marshals because of travel restrictions presently in place which may well be increased between now and July.

’It was therefore decided by the race committee, very reluctantly, to announce the cancellation of the 2020 event.

’The committee felt it was better to take this decision now, rather than defer on a monthly basis in the hope that medical cover would become available at the "last minute".

’This also means that the Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic and is now also cancelled after being initially postponed, along with the club’s Post-TT meeting which was called off earlier in the week.

’Competitors who have entered will be contacted by the race or club secretary in the next few days.’