‘Selfie sticks’ banned for Southern 100

The organisers of next week’s Southern 100 races have taken pre-emptive action to ban  ‘selfie sticks’ from this year’s racing on the Billown course, after numerous complaints from riders during this year’s Isle of Man TT.

The extendable arms for taking photos have drawn complaints in recent months from riders like John McGuinness, complaining about the dangers imposed by people holding cameras out over the track as racers approach.

Bearing in mind those complains, Chief Marshal Dave Ali says the club was left with no other choice but to impose the ban.

“The use of these and similar devices are both a distraction and a danger to riders. To have something like these stick extensions hanging over a wall or hedge, in a rider’s path, is an unthinkable idea. There’s also the possibility of the camera or phone becoming detached and falling onto the track. Please remember this while you’re enjoying the racing at this year’s event, and listen to the marshals; they’re there for everybody’s safety.”