The 2018 Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 International Road Races has new headline sponsors for the main championship races.

Hunt’s Motorcycles, of Burnage, Greater Manchester, is to sponsor the solo championship race and Daryl Blake Construction Ltd of Port St Mary is to sponsor the sidecar equivalent.

The championship events, as ever, will provide a climax to the ever-popular four-day meeting between July 9 and July 12.

The double announcement comes after Manx Gas stood aside after a long association with the event, having previously sponsored both of the main feature races on the Thursday afternoon.

Last year, Bradford’s Dean Harrison claimed his first solo championship title at an average speed of 113.887mph on his Silicone Racing 1000cc Kawasaki, ultimately crossing the finish line 300ths of a second ahead of Manxman Dan Kneen.

A new absolute lap record for the Billown Course was set by Michael Dunlop on the Bennett’s Suzuki at 115.707mph.

The race, one of the most thrilling in the 63-year history of the event, was boasted the best road race of the year by the motorcycling press.

John Brown, managing director of Hunt’s Motorcycles said: ’We are delighted to be able to sponsor the feature race of the Southern 100 and look forward to a long association with the club and event.

’The list of solo champions at the Southern 100 is like the ’who’s who’ of real road racing, many of whom have become TT, British and world champions.

Local company, Daryl Blake Construction, is equally proud to be associated with the Southern, particularly as it is the most prestigious sporting event to take place in the south of the island.

Sidecars were first raced on the 4.25-mile course in 1962 and over the years those watching have witnessed many close, no-holds barred races between the crème de-la crème of the sidecar world.

’Having spent years sat on the hedges watching the Southern 100, it is fantastic to have the privilege of being involved and especially with the sidecars which I have a close affinity with,’ said Daryl Blake.

’It is good to be able to put something into the sport that has brought me and my mates much enjoyment and friendship over the years and I wish the organisers further success with the race.’