Des Evans started his racing career in 1953, although it was to be another six years before he ventured to the Isle of Man to race in the Southern 100 in 1959. In all Des raced in ten races on the Billown course between his debut and his final race in 1967 gaining a number of mid field positi
ons.
Des joined the committee of the race organisers * in 1964 becoming involved in various positions until 1971 when he was nominated to be Assistant Chief Travelling Marshal at the races, which he continued to carry out until 1998, when he took over as Chief TM on the retirement of long time CTM Allan ‘Kipper’ Killip. Des held the position until he too took early retirement after the 2002 Southern 100.
Des didn’t step away from the southside races at the end of 2002, he took on the role of Club Steward the following year, a position he has held up to and including 2022.
Between 1984 and 2000, Des Evans was also the club’s Riders Liaison Officer. As mentioned, he originally joined the Southern Motorcycle Club’s committee in 1964, then moved to the new race organisation, Southern 100 Racing in 1981 and remained on the committee until the end of the 2006 season.
In all, Des Evans has been involved with the friendly races for sixty-four years, the first five as a competitor, the remainder ensuring the races go ahead as planned.
Des deserves his retirement after the wonderful service he has given to the club over eight decades!
Des Evans received an ‘Official Address’ in recognition of his outstanding services at the recent Southern 100 Dinner, which was presented by Club Chairman George Peach.
*
1955 – 1980: Southern Motorcycle Club
1981 – present: Southern 100 Racing
Photo courtesy of Orry Lewin