Motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez, 46, killed in horror crash during race as tributes pour in
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 Tuesday night 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.
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.”
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.