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    Former MotoGP champion Marc Marquez deliberately causes chaos on the grid before crashing out of race

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    MARC MARQUEZ caused chaos at Sunday’s MotoGP race as he bolted from the grid before the start of the race.The motorcycle racing championship was at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend – Formula One will race there in October – for the third race weekend of the season.Former MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez sparked chaos before Sunday’s raceCredit: ReutersMarquez was waiting on the grid after some rainfall at the trackCredit: RexBut he suddenly bolted from his spot and into the pitlane to get a new bike with slick tyresCredit: X @bikesontntMarquez admitted he played the rules to ensure he would not get a penaltyCredit: ReutersHowever, changeable conditions at the track sparked a bizarre sequence of events led by Marquez before the race had even started.Ahead of the scheduled start of the race, Marquez was sitting on his bike, which had been equipped with wet weather tyres following pre-race rainfall.But the six-time champion then suddenly bolted back to the pitlane to retrieve another bike, this one fitted with slick tyres for a dry track, for a pit lane start.The move from the 32-year-old prompted many of his rivals to follow suit and also change bikes from a wet to a dry fit, with three others gambling on slicks from the very beginning.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTNormally such a move would lead to a penalty, however, if enough riders change vehicles then no penalties are applied and a new race start procedure takes place.And sure enough race director, Mike Webb, declared the race start would be delayed and take place under the original grid order – with Marquez on pole – and no penalties applied.Speaking following the race, the Spaniard revealed the act had been done on purpose after admitting the original strategy was not correct. He said: “I really know the rules and how to do that, and how to be on the limit all the time.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“I asked to [Marco] Rigamonti (engineer) seven minutes before the start if the second bike was ready. He said to me yes, and then I said to him maybe I will leave the grid.“Why? Because I predicted that when I leave… I saw that the rain tyres was not the correct strategy.Ex-World Speedway Champion Tai Woffinden airlifted to hospital after horrifying crash“And then I predicted that more than 10 riders would follow me, and then they would stop the race. So, it’s what happened.”Marquez later added to TNT Sports: “Because I already know that if I leave the grid most people will follow and then the start will be delayed.”I understand with the Michelin guide that three or four riders were already with the slicks. “I saw that our strategy on wet was not a good one and then I forced that situation.”Marquez’s ingenious gamesmanship looked to have worked wonders after building up a two-second lead as the race approached the halfway stage.However, disaster struck at Turn 4 of lap nine when he suddenly crashed on the inside kerb of the corner.Marquez, who won the first two feature races and all three sprint races this season, rejoined the race on a badly damaged bike before retiring on lap 13.Ducati team-mate Pecco Bagnaia raced through to take the lead before converting it into his first win of the season.The Italian acknowledged the victory had only come about because of his team-mates crash, but was “very happy” to achieve his first win at COTA.Marquez’s crash allowed his brother Alex Marquez, who is riding for Gresini, to take a one-point lead in the rider’s championship.Read More on The SunMarquez, 28, has finished runner-up in all six races so far this season but is now leading the championship for the first time in his premier-class career.The next race weekend of MotoGP takes place in Qatar on April 13. More

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      Terrifying moment MotoGP rider is crushed under rival bike in high-speed crash but incredibly escapes serious injury

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      MOTOGP stars Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia miraculously escaped serious injury at the Aragon Grand Prix on Sunday.The two riders collided at Turn 13 with six laps to go and slid off the track.Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia collided and suffered a horrific crashCredit: APBoth riders somehow escaped without serious injuryCredit: RexBagnaia said the blame was on MarquezCredit: RexMarquez appeared to cut across the back of Bagnaia while they were going shoulder-to-shoulder into the turn.They both subsequently came off their bikes and slid across the gravel at high speed.Bagnaia got crushed under the Spaniard’s bike as a result, but somehow avoided serious injury.A statement from his team later confirmed that he was okay.Read More in FootballIt read: “Bagnaia is back in the garage after undergoing a medical check-up. He has sustained contusions but no fractures and has been declared FIT.”Bagnaia was left furious after the race and claimed the crash was entirely Marquez’s fault.He said: “It’s not that I have to explain a lot of things. The dynamic is what it is. It’s worrying that there are riders who do certain things.”When I was on the inside I felt a hit of gas, and he didn’t stop accelerating until he threw me off.Most read in MotorsportMarquez said it wasn’t his faultCredit: Rex”The worst of all, what makes me most angry is the data. The telemetry reveals that, after the contact, [Marquez] went from accelerating 40% to 60%. It’s dangerous to race with someone who does these things.”Normally, one tries to avoid contact, although the data shows that there are people who do not see it that way.”However, Marquez disagreed and said: “Nothing is going to change what happened.”If anyone could avoid contact it was him, who knew I was there. I had no knowledge that [Bagnaia] was on the outside.”The only thing I told the Race Direction members is that, if he had left a little more space between us and had not traced to the inside, nothing would have happened.”FIM MotoGP stewards announced no further action would be taken following the collision.Marquez’s brother, Marc, went on to win the race. More

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      Motorcyclist in horror fall during stunt at Dutch GP as medics rush to help rider and screen put up to hide him

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      A MOTORCYCLIST has suffered a horror accident at the Dutch Grand Prix.Prior to the start of today’s qualifying session in Zandvoort, the crowd were entertained by stunt riders performing tricks.A stunt rider suffered a horror fall at the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: X formerly Twitter / @JamesBrooks78The rider failed to land the jump and went over the handlebarsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @JamesBrooks78Medics rushed to the performer and an ambulance arrivedCredit: X formerly Twitter / @JamesBrooks78But disaster struck as one member of a group was hurt while attempting to land a huge jump.The stunt performer whizzed up a huge ramp but failed to land the trick.In concerning scenes, the rider flew over the top of the handlebars and went skidding along the tarmac.His fellow performers rushed to him, with medics and an ambulance soon arriving.READ MORE IN F1A screen was held up to give the rider privacy during treatment.Dutch Grand Prix chiefs later tweeted: “An incident occurred with a stunt motorcyclist during the track show. “He is now in the good hands of our healthcare professionals.”It is currently unclear what injuries the stunt rider suffered.Most read in MotorsportThere was another horrifying incident later on as F1 driver Logan Sargeant had a crash at 110mph.His car burst into flames, but thankfully the American was able to walk away unharmed. F1 star Logan Sargeant’s car goes up in flames after scary 110mph crash in Dutch GP practice🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Isle of Man TT 2024: Schedule, start times, results, live stream & TV channel as event sees major scheduling changes

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      THE historic event dubbed by many as the ‘world’s most dangerous race’ is approaching the finish line after Michael Dunlop became the most successful rider EVER earlier this week.The Northern Irishman had been chasing his uncle Joey’s record for years but finally cracked it in 2024, winning the Supertwin TT to make it win No 27.The Isle of Man TT is back for another year of incredible racingCredit: PACEMAKER PRESSHis uncle Joey – after whom the Joey Dunlop Cup is named – had held the previous record for 25 years.Hundreds of people have died in the race’s history as motorbikes thunder around winding country lanes at 120mph.It was part of the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship – now MotoGP – for 27 years before being scrapped due to safety concerns and continues to face consistent calls that it should be scrapped. It can only be the Isle of Man TT, which returned on Saturday, June 1.What is the Isle of Man TT?The annual racing event had its first race in 1907 and has been held on the Isle of Man almost every year since.The event consists of a number of time trial races on public roads that are closed over a two week period – the first week for practice and qualifying and the second for racing.There are currently six classes of races – the Senior TT, Supersport TT, Superbike TT, Superstock TT, Supertwin TT and Sidecar TT.The Senior TT is the showpiece event and has run continuously since 1909.The Isle of Man TT is open to all riders from any country as long they have a valid National Entrants or FIM Sponsors Licence for Road Racing, plus a driver’s licence.The event has only been cancelled because of World War I (1915-1919) and World War II (1940-1946) and just three times since 1947 – because of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 and in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid-19.The ‘TT’ in Isle of Man TT actually stands for Tourist Trophy rather than Time Trial, as many believe.Isle of Man TT schedule & resultsRace Day 1 – Saturday, June 1
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Superbike/Superstock qualifying
      12pm – 40 Years of Arai at the TT Parade
      1.30pm – Supersport TT race 1 – Winner: Michael Dunlop
      4pm – Sidecar TT race 1 – Winners: Ryan and Callum Crowe
      Race Day 2 – Sunday, June 2
      11.30am – Mountain Road closes
      12.30pm – All roads close
      1.30pm – Solo warm up
      2.40pm – Superbike TT race – Winner: Peter Hickman
      Race Day 3 – Tuesday, June 4
      All events cancelled
      Race Day 3 – Wednesday, June 5
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      11.45am – Supertwin TT race 1 – Winner: Michael Dunlop
      Race Day 4 – Thursday, June 6
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      11:20am – Sidecar TT race 2 – Winners: Ryan and Callum Crowe
      1pm – Superstock TT race 1 – Winner: Davey Todd
      Race Day 5 – Friday, June 7
      TBC – Mountain Road closes
      TBC – All roads close
      TBC – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      TBC – Supersport TT race 2 (4 laps)
      TBC – Superstock TT race 2 (3 laps)
      Race Day 6 – Saturday, June 8
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      11.45am – Supertwin TT race 2 (2 laps)
      1.30pm – Rutter Legacy Lap (Parade Lap)
      2.30pm – Senior TT race (6 laps)
      How can I watch the Isle of Man TT?The 2024 Isle of Man TT is not being broadcast on live TV.Instead, those who want to watch the race as it happens need to purchase the TT+ Live Pass, which costs £19.99 to cover the qualification and all races.The TT+ Live Pass can then be streamed through a TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet and also includes analysis, interviews and other features.ITV4 will have a nightly highlights show at 9pm from Friday, May 31 until the final race day on June 8.What is the prize money for the Isle of Man TT?The six races of the Isle of Man TT have a combined pot of £243,400 – the Senior TT race is the most lucrative of the annual event, with a total prize pot of £84,500 and £25,000 going to the winner.The Superbike TT race has a shared prize pot of £62,000, while the Supersport TT offers a combined prize pot of £30,400.Both the Superstock TT and Sidecar TT earns riders a share of £23,500, while the Supertwin TT will offer a total pot of £19,500.The full Isle of Man TT prize money breakdown can be found here.Who has won the most races at the Isle of Man TT?Joey Dunlop had been the overall race leader with 26 wins to his name at the event – with his last one coming in 2000.Dunlop, who died aged 48 after crashing during a race in Estonia, has a statue on the island and the Joey Dunlop Cup is awarded to the most successful rider at the event each year.Michael Dunlop has now PAST his uncle’s record as the most successful Isle of Man TT rider everCredit: PacemakerDunlop was voted as Northern Ireland’s greatest-ever sports star in 2015 and his funeral was attended by more than 50,000.But the great man has now been caught and overtaken by nephew, Michael Dunlop, who entered the event with 25 wins before winning the first race of 2024 to equal Joey’s record.The 35-year-old star then added another win – having won four races in 2023 – to take the overall record.After his record-breaking win, the younger Dunlop said: “I’m no better than Joey, I never was, and I’ve got no intentions of being better than him, but everyone has always aspired to beat him.”It’s an honour.”How many people have died at the Isle of Man TT?The Isle of Man TT is known as one of the most dangerous event in sport for good reason.Riders race around public roads at 120mph, surrounded by brick walls, telephone polls and houses. Since 1937, the only year in which there has NOT been a fatality is 1982.A total of 280 people – riders, officials and fans – have died, with 156 of those riders during the actual Isle of Man TT.Extend that to the Manx Grand Prix, usually held in August, the total reaches 269.Another ten officials have died, the most recent in 2006, while six spectators have also died, including two in 2007.Three people died last year (one in the main TT and two in the Manx Grand Prix), while 2022 was the joint-deadliest year ever.Six riders died that year, the same as in 1970. More

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      Who is Michael Dunlop? Isle of Man TT rider and new race win record holder

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      THE name Dunlop has long been synonymous with time trial racing.Joey Dunlop is the most famous Isle of Man TT rider of them all – with the overall winner of the event handed the Joey Dunlop Cup and the Northern Irishman having a statue built on the island.Michael Dunlop has become the record holder for most wins at the Isle of Man TTJoey held the record for almost 25 years after his untimely death following a crash in 2000.Now his record has been overtaken, with Michael Dunlop the man to take it.Who is Michael Dunlop?Michael Dunlop is an motorcycle rider most famous for his exploits in the Isle of Man TT.He comes from that famous racing family as the son of Robert Dunlop, brother of William and nephew of Joey.Michael made his Isle of Man TT debut in 2007, finishing 25th aged just 18.Since then he has had one of the most spectacular careers in the sport.His first win came in the Supersport TT in 2009, while he has won four races in a single event three times – in 2013, 2014, and 2023.Since 2010, the only year he didn’t win a race was in 2015, when did not finish in four races and finished second in one other.With two wins so far in 2024 he has now passed uncle Joey as the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT – as well as taking home a bit of prize money for his wins.Who has won the most races at the Isle of Man TT?Until this year, Joey Dunlop had held the record since 2000.Joey won three races that year, aged 48, just weeks before his death in Estonia in another race.John McGuinness had come closest to threatening Dunlop’s record, winning 23 races between 1999 and 2015.But it was Michael who finally managed to overtake the great man.His win in the Supertwins TT made it win No 27 and his eighth in just 17 races since 2022.Most Isle of Man TT wins
      Michael Dunlop – 27
      Joey Dunlop – 26
      John McGuinness – 23
      Dave Molyneux – 17
      Ian Hutchinson – 16
      Mike Hailwood, Ben Birchall, Tom Birchall, Peter Hickman – 14
      Bruce Anstey – 12
      Steve Hislop, Phillip McCallen – 11
      Giacomo Agostini, Robert Fisher, Stanley Woods – 10
      Mick Boddice, David Jeffries, Ian Lougher, Siegfried Schauzu – 9
      Michael Dunlop in action on the Isle of ManCredit: PACEMAKER PRESSWhat did Michael Dunlop say about the record?Michael Dunlop said that “everyone’s inspiration was to be a Joey Dunlop around the Isle of Man”.He said: “I’m no better than Joey, never was.”Joey’s record stood for 24 years and it’s an honour. Joey was a special talent.”My record will be beaten one day but I don’t care.”He also said he had to overcome some issues on the day to win.”We had an issue in first practice and were struggling a wee bit but the boys worked hard on it and the bike was mint. “We had to push on as I knew we would.” More

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      Isle of Man TT rider David Johnson issues update from hospital after ‘very strange’ crash ‘never experienced before’

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      BATTERED biker David Johnson has given a hospital update on his “very strange” crash during a 131mph lap at the Isle of Man TT.The Aussie was sent flying by his first ever “tank slapper” – a dreaded phenomenon where the front wheel shakes uncontrollably.David Johnson was ‘lucky’ to escape with a fractured collarboneCredit: Instagram / @davojohnson20Johnson ruled himself out of the rest of the two-week eventCredit: Instagram / @davojohnson20Johnson reckons he was lucky to escape with just a fractured collarbone as he slid off down the middle of the track.Tank slappers can cause the handlebars to whip against the tank repeatedly and violently.Johnson’s misfortune came when his bike started vibrating at the K Tree corner in Sunday’s Superbike TT.Racing for the Platinum Club Racing Kawasaki team, he tumbled off and thudded along the hard surface.REAQD MOE TOP STORIESNot surprisingly, Johnson had to rule himself out of the rest of the two-week event.And as he received treatment in hospital he went on social media to explain the type of accident he has “never experienced before”.Johnson insisted all looked good at first as he wrote: “Superbike TT…. Everything was going well. “Was happy with the pace and feel with the bike and was comfortably running in the 131mph laps which is definitely the best start to the TT race week ever for me.”Most read in MotorsportBut then came his worrying wobble.Johnson said: “I had a brake fade issue just before the final lap so I backed the pace off to bring her home in a comfortable 8th. Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff”Unfortunately I had a very strange tank slapper at K Tree which I’ve never experienced before and I couldn’t recover it.”I managed to roll off the side of the bike and go straight down the middle of the road. “I’m battered and bruised and luckily only fractured my collarbone. “Thanks for all the messages and calls. I’ll be back in the paddock tomorrow but that’s unfortunately the end of TT 2024 for me.” More

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      Isle of Man TT 2024 prize money: How much can riders win as they chase glory in the Irish Sea

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      THE Isle of Man TT is back THIS WEEKEND as hundreds of riders descend on the Irish Sea with plenty of riches on offer.The race – considered one of the world’s most dangerous and deadly – offers thrilling twists and turns at over 120mph on public roads.The Isle of Man is back with riders battling for glory and richesCredit: PACEMAKER PRESSWhat is the prize money for the Isle of Man TT?The overall prize pot comes in at £243,400 between the six races.The Senior TT is the big race with £25,000 going to the winner from an overall prize pot of £84,500.The Superbike TT has an overall prize pot of £62k and the Supersport TT offers £30,400 to be shared.Both the Superstock TT and Sidecar TT offer £23,500 to be shared, while the Supertwin TT has the smallest prize fund with £19,500.The overall breakdown can be found below:Senior TT prize money1) £25,0002) £15,0003) £10,0004) £7,0005) £5,0006) £4,0007) £3,0008) £2,5009) £2,00010) £1,50011) £1,40012) £1,30013) £1,20014) £1,10015) £1,00016) £90017) £80018) £70019) £60020) £500Superbike TT prize money1) £20,0002) £12,0003) £7,5004) £5,0005) £4,0006) £3,0007) £2,5008) £2,0009) £1,50010) £1,00011) £90012) £80013) £70014) £60015) £500Supersport TT prize money1) £10,0002) £6,0003) £3.0004) £2,5005) £2,0006) £1,5007) £1,0008) £9009) £80010) £70011) £60012) £50013) £40014) £30015) £200Superstock TT prize money1) £8,0002) £6,0003) £3.0004) £2,0005) £1,0006) £9007) £8008) £7009) £60010) £500Sidecar TT prize money1) £8,0002) £6,0003) £3.0004) £2,0005) £1,0006) £9007) £8008) £7009) £60010) £500Supertwin TT prize money1) £6,0002) £4,0003) £3.0004) £2,0005) £1,0006) £9007) £8008) £7009) £60010) £500When is the Isle of Man TT?Qualifying for the Isle of Man TT started on May 27 with the first race to take place on Saturday, June 1.The event then runs until Saturday, June 8, where the showpiece Senior TT is decided. Roads close from 10am on the Isle of Man with different races taking place throughout the day.Read our full schedule for the Isle of Man TT.How can I watch the Isle of Man TT?Every race from the Isle of Man TT 2024 can be watched live via the TT+ Live Pass, which also has interviews, behind-the-scenes action and other features.It costs £19.99 to purchase and can then be live streamed through a TV and other devices.There will be no live TV coverage of the event but ITV4 has a nightly highlights show at 9pm from Friday, May 31 until the final race day on June 8. More

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      Isle of Man TT 2024: Schedule, start times, results, TV channel and live stream as ‘world’s most dangerous race’ returns

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      IT IS dubbed by many as the ‘world’s most dangerous race’.Hundreds of people have died in the race’s history as motorbikes thunder around winding country lanes at 120mph.The Isle of Man TT is back for another year of incredible racingCredit: PACEMAKER PRESSIt was part of the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship – now MotoGP – for 27 years before being scrapped due to safety concerns and continues to face consistent calls that it should be scrapped. It can only be the Isle of Man TT, which returns THIS WEEKEND for its 103rd edition.What is the Isle of Man TT?The annual racing event had its first race in 1907 and has been held on the Isle of Man almost every year since.The event consists of a number of time trial races on public roads that are closed over a two week period – the first week for practice and qualifying and the second for racing.There are currently six classes of races – the Senior TT, Supersport TT, Superbike TT, Superstock TT, Supertwin TT and Sidecar TT.The Senior TT is the showpiece event and has run continuously since 1909.The Isle of Man TT is open to all riders from any country as long they have a valid National Entrants or FIM Sponsors Licence for Road Racing, plus a driver’s licence.The event has only been cancelled because of World War I (1915-1919) and World War II (1940-1946) and just three times since 1947 – because of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 and in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid-19.The ‘TT’ in Isle of Man TT actually stands for Tourist Trophy rather than Time Trial, as many believe.Isle of Man TT schedule & resultsRace Day 1 – Saturday, June 1
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Superbike/Superstock qualifying (2 laps)
      12pm – 40 Years of Arai at the TT Parade (1 lap)
      1.30pm – Supersport TT race 1 (4 laps)
      4pm – Sidecar TT race 1 (3 laps)
      Race Day 2 – Sunday, June 2
      11.30am – Mountain Road closes
      12.30pm – All roads close
      1.30pm – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      2.40pm – Superbike TT race (6 laps)
      Race Day 3 – Tuesday, June 4
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      10.50am – Sidecar Shakedown (1 lap)
      11.45am – Superstock TT race 1 (3 laps)
      2pm – Supertwin TT race 1 (3 laps)
      Race Day 4 – Wednesday, June 5
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      11.45am – Sidecar TT race 2 (3 laps)
      2pm – Supersport TT race 2 (4 laps)
      Race Day 5 – Friday, June 7
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      11.45am – Superstock TT race 2 (3 laps)
      2pm – Supertwin TT race 2 (3 laps)
      Race Day 6 – Saturday, June 8
      9am – Mountain Road closes
      10am – All roads close
      10.30am – Solo warm up (1 lap)
      11.45am – Senior TT race (6 laps)
      How can I watch the Isle of Man TT?The 2024 Isle of Man TT is not being broadcast on live TV.Instead, those who want to watch the race as it happens need to purchase the TT+ Live Pass, which costs £19.99 to cover the qualification and all races.The TT+ Live Pass can then be streamed through a TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet and also includes analysis, interviews and other features.ITV4 will have a nightly highlights show at 9pm from Friday, May 31 until the final race day on June 8.What is the prize money for the Isle of Man TT?The six races of the Isle of Man TT have a combined pot of £243,400 – the Senior TT race is the most lucrative of the annual event, with a total prize pot of £84,500 and £25,000 going to the winner.The Superbike TT race has a shared prize pot of £62,000, while the Supersport TT offers a combined prize pot of £30,400.Both the Superstock TT and Sidecar TT earns riders a share of £23,500, while the Supertwin TT will offer a total pot of £19,500.The full Isle of Man TT prize money breakdown can be found here.Who has won the most races at the Isle of Man TT?Joey Dunlop is the current overall race leader with 26 wins to his name at the event. Dunlop, who died aged 48 after crashing during a race in Estonia, has a statue on the island and the Joey Dunlop Cup is named after him and awarded to the most successful rider at the event each year.Michael Dunlop is chasing his uncle Joey’s record for winsCredit: PacemakerDunlop was voted as Northern Ireland’s greatest-ever sports star in 2015 and his funeral was attended by more than 50,000.He could be caught – and even overtaken – by his nephew this year, with Michael Dunlop currently sitting on 25 overall wins.The 35-year-old star is one of the hot favourites to win multiple races again this year, having won four last year and setting two course records.How many people have died at the Isle of Man TT?The Isle of Man TT is known as one of the most dangerous event in sport for good reason.Riders race around public roads at 120mph, surrounded by brick walls, telephone polls and houses. Since 1937, the only year in which there has NOT been a fatality is 1982.A total of 280 people – riders, officials and fans – have died, with 156 of those riders during the actual Isle of Man TT.Extend that to the Manx Grand Prix, usually held in August, the total reaches 269.Another ten officials have died, the most recent in 2006, while six spectators have also died, including two in 2007.Three people died last year (one in the main TT and two in the Manx Grand Prix), while 2022 was the joint-deadliest year ever.Six riders died that year, the same as in 1970. More

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      How many deaths have there been at the Isle of Man TT?

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      THE Isle of Man TT is once again set to take the nation by storm.Motorsport fans converge on the tiny Island between England and Ireland as the world’s most daring road racers gather to take on the “Mountain Course”.The Isle of Man TT has claimed the lives of many racersCredit: PacemakerIt has been run 102 times since the inaugural event in 1907 before moving to the Mountain Course in 1911.However, the 37.73 mile course – carved out of the Island’s public roads – is a cruel and unforgiving mistress. It has claimed the lives of many drivers since the event’s beginnings back in 1907.But who was the first and how many have there been?How many deaths have there been at the Isle of Man TT?In total, there have been 269 rider fatalities across all the events, including the TT’s sister event, the Manx Grand Prix usually held in August.A staggering 156 of these have come during the June TT event.As many as 207 riders and non-racers from the UK have lost their lives at the Isle of Man TT.The first recorded rider ever killed at the event was Englishman Victor Surridge at Glen Helen during practice for the in 1911 race.It was an omen of things to come, as Englishman Frank R Bateman was the first racer killed during the Senior TT event in 1913 at Creg-ny-Baa.Fred Walker at St Ninian’s Crossroads was the first Irish rider to die in the event in 1914.Following the First World War, the race returned with a new name: “Isle of Man Tourist Trophy” and new safety regulations making it compulsory for riders to wear helmets.Ned Brew was the first Isle of Man native to be killed in 1923.In 1939, German national Karl Gall became the first rider outside of the United Kingdom to be killed.The deadliest year for the event came in 2005, when 11 people died.Three drivers and one marshall had been killed during the June race, before six riders and one course bystander died during the Manx Grand Prix in August/September of that year.Even more people have died since 2020, with nine racers losing their lives in the 2022 and 2023 events.In fact, 2023 was the joint-deadliest year for the main event, with six deaths – the highest number since 1970.Riders from as far away as Japan, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi), Australia and New Zealand have been killed.Ian Bainbridge was the most recent driver to be killed at the Isle of Man after crashing into a garden wall at the Manx Grand Prix last August.There have also been another 16 fatalities involving officials and spectators, the most recent of which came in 2007 when two men died after a rider, Marc Ramsbotham, crashed. More