Motorbike racer dies hours after breaking Isle of Man TT record
The motorsport world has been left rocked by the death of a veteran racer following a horrific on-road incident.
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A professional motorbike racer has been killed in a horror crash during the first Supertwin race at the Isle of Man TT.
Spanish rider Raul Torras Martinez lost his life on Wednesday morning (AEST) after falling off his bike on the final lap of the course.
The 46-year-old, from Sant Hilari Sacalm, Girona, was riding for the Optimark Racing Team when he tragically died between the 16th and 17th miles markers, The Sun reports.
A statement from the Isle of Man TT organisers confirmed the death of Raul Martinez “with great sadness”.
“Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year’s Supertwin Race,” the statement read.
“He recorded his fastest ever lap of the TT Mountain Course earlier today in the Superstock race, with a lap at an average speed of 125.470mph whilst securing a 20th-place finish.
“In total, Raul competed in 21 TT races and his performances earned him a total of 18 Bronze Replicas.
“The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Raul’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
Tributes have poured in since news broke of the motorbike racer’s death.
On Twitter one devoted fan wrote: “I met Raul several times in Spain and previously at the TT and am proud to call him a friend.
“He was a true gent in every way and I will remember fondly the laughs we shared, especially at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia.
“Rest peacefully amigo.”
Another heartbroken supporter posted: “Please say it’s a mistake! The passionate Raul. Our admirable friend.
“The Isle is what he loved and kept him alive. Let’s offer respect to what he believed in.”
“A great competitor and great racer. A regular at the NW200, His eagerness to learn was recently showed in the no room for error series,” agreed a third.
One gutted fan said: “A good guy full of enthusiasm and after such a high earlier of his 125mph lap, his goal this is brutal. Ride high Raul.”
“Heartbreaking news. My thoughts and prayers go out to Raul’s family, friends and the entire TT community during this difficult time. We will never forget the legacy he leaves behind on the Isle of Man”, wrote another.
Someone else posted: “Got to know Raul a little bit last year when he messaged me and informed me that I just had to come and visit him in the pits.
“That’s the sort of guy he was -friendly, outgoing, and absolutely adored racing the TT. My deepest condolences tonight to his loved ones.”
“Saw his interviews on the ITV shows this week and clearly loved the TT and so passionate. RIP Raul”, posted another.
Raul was a regular competitor in the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix races.
The Isle of Man TT races have seen 267 fatalities since they began the Mountain Course in 1911.
Last year a father and son were killed during the competition.
Driver Roger Stockton, 56, and 21-year-old passenger Bradley, from Crewe, sadly passed away following a crash at Ago’s Leap on the final lap of the second sidecar race.
— This story originally appeared on thesun.co.uk and has been republished with permission
Originally published as Motorbike racer dies hours after breaking Isle of Man TT record
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