Southern 100 Racing has paid tribute to 1966 500cc Champion Selwyn Griffiths, who passed away on Saturday aged 83.
Selwyn, a proud Welshman won the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix, then made his Southern 100 debut the following year.
The 1966 brought races mixed fortunes, a retirement in the 350cc on the Cowles AJS, then taking the chequered flag in the feature 500cc race on the bigger Cowles Matchless.
His next outing on the Billown Course was in 1968, where he once again took the victory in the 500cc race and finished second in the Solo Championship race to Steve Jolly.
After winning again in 1971, his final year, 1974 once again saw him take second place in the Solo Championship race on the Yamaha, this time behind Steve Tonkin.
The club said his final race around the Billown Course was in 1999 taking second place in the Senior (500cc) race on a rare outing on a Manx Norton.
Son
The club said: “Selwyn Griffiths may have hung up his leathers, which were replaced with a set of mechanics overalls as son Jason continued the family connection with the friendly races between 1992 and 2002, winning the coveted Solo Championship title three times, the first in 1994, then back to back in 1996 and 1997.
“After Jason retired from racing, Selwyn was a regular welcome visitor every July up until the last year staying with former Southern 100 Clerk of Course and now President Phil Taubman MBE.
“A unique character, always smiling, Selwyn made many friends over the years all of whom will be saddened by his untimely passing. However, the fond memories and tales will will remain with us for ever.
“Southern 100 Racing pass on their sincere condolences to his son Jason and family at this sad time.”
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