By Outside of the TT Races, Manx Grand Prix, Classic TT and Southern 100, one other major roads meeting was a fundamental part of the Manx roads scene for multiple years, the Jurby South Road Races.
4.25 miles long, the Jurby South circuit could only be described as a “proper” road race circuit. Bumpy in it’s nature, many a future successful TT/Manx GP competitor made their pure road racing debut at Jurby.
This includes recent Penz 13.com BMW signing Dan Kneen, who proved in the meeting’s final years the rider to beat. His brother Ryan Kneen also ventured onto the roads for the first time at Jurby, same applies to 2013 newcomers B Manx GP winner Callum Collister.
One of the most famous riders to grace the Jurby South meeting in the 2000’s, was a certain Guy Martin.
In 2004, prior to his TT debut, his high profile appearance on the ultra fast, tight and twisty roads circuit, saw him contending throughout for race wins on the Uel Duncan Racing machines.
Additional well known road racers to compete over the years at Jurby include Stephen Oates, Paul Hunt, Mick Charnock, Gary Carswell, Roger Maher, Dan Sayle, Gary Radcliffe, Paul Duckett, Mark Parrett, Alan Jackson, Nigel Beattie and 2009 newcomers A Manx GP race winner Sean Murphy.
Photo by Mike Yiend
Sidecar stars to grace Jurby South have included Nick Crowe, Glyn Jones, Brian Kelly and 17 times TT winner Dave Molyneux.
Road racing action at Jurby South concluded in 2010. With the popularity of road racing growing year on year, who knows in the future the popular roads venue may return.
For now though it’s biggest legacy in my opinion, has been providing Manx riders a plenty with their first taste of real roads competition.
Words by Stevie Rial
