Entries for the Blackford Financial Services Pre-TT Classic Road Races at Billown are already up to 155 a little over one month since opening.

With grids in all nine races already at least half-full eight weeks before the cut-off, everything points to another exciting and close-action meeting as the event celebrates its 30th anniversary.

This year will have a different feel to it as the main race day is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, rather than the Monday. Initial practice will be on the evening of Friday, May 25, continuing on the Saturday afternoon.

If poor weather forces the cancellation of the opening practice session for the TT on Saturday, May 26, this will take place on the Sunday and the main race day at Billown for the Classic will revert to its traditional slot on Bank Holiday Monday.

Especially encouraging are the number of continental competitors returning to race in the sidecar races. Patrick Geffray is travelling to the event from France and will have Sarah Stokoe in the chair.

Kobus Bouman and Nicolai Klinker, along with Anja Braas and Diana Bouman return from the Netherlands.

Two crews are making their Billown debuts, Frenchmen Claude Derlannoy and passenger Daniel Giroud, along with Ronny Van Wynsbergh and Jeffrey Vromant of Belgium.

Previous solo race winners already entered include Barry Davidson, Ewan Hamilton, Rich Hawkins, and Jamie Coward.

Further details are available on the official website: www.southern100.com

l The Southern 100 media launch takes place this Friday, February 16 at Morton Hall in Castletown, commencing at 7.30pm.

The club’s annual dinner is being held at the Palace Hotel and Casino, Douglas on Saturday evening, with a 7pm for 7.30 start. Tickets, £30, are available from George Peach on 471301.