Tributes paid after death of former Southern 100 champion

Selwyn Griffiths died on 11 January

Tributes have been paid following the death of a former Southern 100 champion.

Selwyn Griffiths died on 11 January aged 83.

The Welshman won the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix before making his Southern 100 debut the following year.

In 1966 he took the chequered flag in the 500cc race before repeating the victory two years later.

Selwyn continued his annual pilgrimage from Pontypool each year up to and including 1974 – collecting another winner’s laurel wreath in 1971.

As the Classic Races evolved he took seven podium places between 1987 and 1991 including three race victories.

His final race was around the Billown Course in 1999 where he took second place in the Senior race.

Southern 100 Racing says Selwyn was a ‘regular welcome visitor’ every July, up until last year, staying with former Clerk of Course, and now President, Phil Taubman.

Organisers have described him as a ‘unique character, always smiling’ adding: "Selwyn made many friends over the years all of whom will be saddened by his untimely passing.

“However the fond memories and tales will remain with us for ever.”