The organisers of the Southern 100 motorcycle races have announced this lunchtime (Thursday) that ‘selfie sticks’ have been banned from this year’s event, due to start on Monday.
Selfie sticks are telescopic extensions used by spectators taking pictures or filming video, and were a source of discussion during this year’s Isle of Man TT Races.
Chief marshal Dave Ali said: ‘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 of hedge, in a rider’s path, is an unthinkable idea.
‘There’s also the possibility of the camera or phone becoming detached and falling on to the track.
‘Please remembner this while you’re enjoying the racing at this year’s Diamond Jubilee Southern 100.’
Organisers also wish to remind people that drones are not permitted to be used anywhere on the Billown Circuit and that remote cameras can only be used by accredited media with the authorisation of the press officer.
For a full preview of the S100 races, pick up a copy of today’s Manx Independent.