Southern 100 hut renamed in marshal's memory

John Caldwell (second left) said it was an "apt tribute" to the volunteer marshal

A marshals' caravan has been renamed in memory of a Southern 100 volunteer who was died as the result of an incident during qualifying for last year's meeting.

Liam Clarke, who was originally from Londonderry but was visiting from his home in Wigan, died on 11 July as the result of the crash, which also killed racer Alan Connor.

The space was officially renamed during first day of practicing at the 2024 event, in a ceremony attended by the 66-year-old's wife Mandy and daughters Sabrina and Tina.

Sabrina Clarke said her dad would be "buzzing at the thought he would be remembered in such a way".

Speaking to Manx Radio Ms Clarke said: "He liked his motorbikes, his road racing, the camaraderie of marshalling and a beer."

The Southern 100 was a "family in very sense of the word" and those involved had "done so much for our family and its appreciated", she added.

Liam Clarke died as the result of an incident during qualifying for the 2023 event

Reverend John Caldwell, who is chaplain and welfare officer for the club, said it was an "apt tribute to a well loved and liked marshal, who was happiest when with his fellow orange army colleagues".

He told Manx Radio funding raised for new privacy screens for use at the scene of motorsport incidents in Mr Clarke's name would also "help to respect people's privacy" and the "sensitivities" surrounding racing incidents.

He said "despite the adversity" of the situation at the time, people had been "so incredibly generous", which was "typical of the Isle of Man".

A memorial seat featuring a plaque with a photograph of Mr Clarke has also been installed outside of the centre in the club's headquarters enclosure.

A total of 12 races are scheduled for the 2024 meeting on the Billown Course, which runs until 11 July.