Two More Competitors Killed At Isle Of Man TT Races

Two More Competitors Killed At Isle Of Man TT Races

Two competitors at the Isle of Man TT Races have died, bringing the total number of fatalities this year to five.

Sidecar driver Ian Bell, 58, of Bedlington, Northumberland, was killed in a crash at Ballaspur. He was racing with his son Carl, who is reportedly uninjured.

Andrew Soar, 32, of Loughborough, Leicestershire, died in an accident at Keppel Gate during the senior race.

Sidecar driver Dwight Beare, 27, and motorcyclist Paul Shoesmith, 50, were killed during the first day of the Races on June 4.

Dean Martin, 58, died from injuries suffered in a crash during practice for the Pre-TT classic on May 28.

A spokesman for the event's organisers, ACU Events Ltd, said it wished to "pass on their deepest sympathy" to the family and friends of the drivers.

The spokesman said Mr Bell was a motorcycle dealer and a married father-of-two.

"He made his TT Races debut in 1995, winning the newcomers trophy, and achieved five podiums during his TT career including a race win in 2003," said.

"Andrew was an experienced competitor on the TT Mountain Course," he added.

"He made his Mountain Course debut at the Manx Grand Prix in 2012 finishing runner-up in both the Newcomers A race and Senior MGP in his first year.

"He won the Senior MGP in 2014 and made his first appearance at the TT in 2015."

Close

What's Hot