Southern 100 Champion Chris Conn passes away

Mr Conn, from Portishead, Bristol died following a heart attack on February 12.

He competed at the Southern 100 on the Billown course on the Isle of Man between 1961 and 1963, competing in just four races in all, riding Norton machinery.

A debut 23rd position in the 500cc race in 1961 was followed in 1962 with a sixth place in the same class.

In what was to be his final appearance at the ‘Friendly Races’ in 1963, Conn finished as the runner-up in the 350cc race before taking the honours on the premier 500cc race, averaging 83.630mph for the 18-lap, 76.50-mile event.

He made his Mountain Course debut in the 1961 Senior Manx Grand Prix before competing in the TT races between 1962 and 1967.

Chris also rode in the World Championship Grands Prix between 1964-1967, earning a best result of 10th place in 1966 on his 500cc single cylinder Norton.

A spokesperson for the Southern 100 said: “Whilst his Southern 100 career spanned just three years, Chris certainly left his mark on ‘the friendly races’ with his stylish riding, racing prowess and his Championship win in 1963.

“All involved with Southern 100 Racing express their sincere condolences to his family and friends at the sad time.”