Key Highlights :
The Isle of Man TT Races have been rocked by the tragic death of 46-year-old Raul Torras Martinez. Martinez was killed in a crash during the first Supertwin Race of the year, leaving the TT community in mourning.
Organisers of the event described Martinez as an "incredibly popular member of the paddock family" and passed on their "deepest sympathy" to his family, friends and loved ones.
Martinez had been racing in the TT since 2017 and had achieved his best result of 15th in last year’s Supertwin Race. He was also the fastest Spanish rider to have ever lapped the TT course with a lap at an average speed of 125.470mph.
During his career, Martinez had taken part in 21 TT races, collecting a total of 18 Bronze Replica trophies. The accident that took his life occurred at the alpine between the 16th and 17th mile on the final of a three lap race.
The loss of Martinez is the third tragedy to occur during the Isle of Man TT in the last year. In May, father and son Roger Stockton, 56, and Bradley, 21, both died after an incident at Ago’s Leap during the final lap of the sidecar race.
Gary Thompson, head of the TT, has said that drivers have to ‘accept the risks’ but insisted the event was ‘doing more than ever to improve safety.’ However, the tragic death of Martinez has highlighted the danger that riders face when competing in the TT.
The TT community has been deeply affected by the loss of Martinez and many have expressed their sadness at the news. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.