Southern 100 Pays Tribute to Two-Time Winner

The organisers Southern 100 have paid tribute to Jim Curry, a two-time winner who competed at the event in the 1960s.

A regularly visitor up until 2019, the club said Curry was a “larger-than-life character, rarely without a smile”.

Making his debut in 1963 in the 250cc race, when he finished second by 0.6 of a second behind Terry Grotefield while riding a Bill Webster Aermacchi, Curry would record his first win in 1965.

The Southern 100 said: “1965 and another double entry in the Lightweight (250cc) and Ultra Lightweight (125cc) race. Once again opening his account with an unwanted DNF on the 250 Parvel machine.

“However, on the little Honda, Jim scored his first race win over six laps, taking 20m 45.00s at a new race record speed of 73.73mph. He had a 4.6 second advantage over runner up, Terry Grotefeld.”

Second Win

Curry returned to the Southern 100 in 1968, competing in four races, including the first Southern 100 Solo Championship race.

Finishing fourth in the Lightweight 250cc race behind winner and ‘old’ rival Terry Grotefeld, Stan Woods, and Derek Chatterton, he would not have long to wait for his second win.

Southern 100 added: “He then took his second victory at the Southern 100 in the Junior race on the  350cc Aermacchi, ahead of Brian Steenson, Stan Woods, Martin Carney, Neil Kelly and Keith Heckles.

“Jim’s time for the 12 lap (51 mile) race was 36m 57.400s an average of 82.800mph.., with the fastest lap of 84.900mph.”

Curry went on to become a British Road Race champion and competed in the World Championship Grands Prix as part of the ‘Continental Circus’.

Vistor

The Southern 100 said: “Jim never forgot the Southern 100 and was a regular visitor every July up to and including 2019.

“A larger-than-life character, rarely without a smile, his presence and his stories will be very much missed at Billown and no doubt at many other road race paddocks in the UK and much further afield.

“Thanks for all your friendship and support given to the Southern 100 Club and Races over the past sixty years. Rest In Peace now Jim.”