Maurice Mawdsley, the long-time ‘anchor-man’ of the race commentaries at the Southern 100 International Road Races has decided to hang-up his microphone - having been ‘the voice of the friendly races’ for 28 years.
Maurice took up the hot-seat from Peter Kneale in 1988, the year the Pre-TT Classic Races were first run, with the ‘Steam Packet Road Races’ being added in 1991, as well as the feature event, the Southern 100, his voice soon became integral to the races on the Billown Course and eagerly listened to, not only for the races as they progressed, but also for the knowledgeable details he gave to the listeners around the 4.25-mile course, also listening via the radio and the various Internet services that have become available in the recent years.
Maurice also commentated on the Mountain Course, firstly at Ballacraine before moving to Glen Helen in 1991 where he remained until retiring after the 2009 races.
Maurice continued his annual broadcasting stints at Billown, his easy-listened to voice informing the ever increasing number of spectators at the south-side course and further afield was a welcoming and much anticipated part of the July races.
Maurice handed over the hot-seat for the Pre and Post TT Races to Manx Radio’s Sports Editor, Tim Glover in recent years.
Having made the decision to retire, Southern 100 Racing and all involved with the ‘friendly races’ would like to express our appreciation of all the enjoyment that Maurice has provided with his commentaries over the past 28-years via his race broadcasts on Manx Radio from what he has described as the
‘best seat’ on any road race course!
We all look forward to seeing Maurice and wife Marilyn relaxing and enjoying the close action at the Southern 100 for many years.