Last year’s record entry of newcomers for the Southern 100 International Road Races has been eclipsed by an even greater number this year.

The 2017 seven saw 30 solo newcomers and four sidecar crews making their debuts on the Colas Billown Course.

This year the total is 36 solos and no fewer than 10 sidecar crews, including two all-female teams.

To help race organisers cope with the record influx of competitors, local multi-type vehicle hire specialist, 4 Hire, is providing mini-buses to enable the riders’ liaison officer, Chris Palmer, to show the debutantes round the course.

Headliners in the solos include Davey Todd, who had a terrific TT debut last month, along with Irishmen Brian McCormack and Michael Sweeney.

But it is the quality of the newcomers in the sidecars that is really impressive. Three crews that took top-six placings in last month’s TT have entered.

Alan Founds and Jake Lowther achieved a fifth and fourth, while Peter Founds and Jevan Walmsley gained a fourth in race one.

They are joined by Lewis Blackstock and Patrick Rosney, fifth in race two and the all-female team of Estelle LeBlond and Melanie Farnier from France. Also entered for the chairs are Maria Costello and Sarah Stokoe.

Practising for the Southern 100 begins on Monday, July 9.