Rider killed during qualifying for Isle of Man TT

Japanese rider Yoshinari Matsushita has been killed during qualifying for the Isle of Man TT, organisers announced.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th May 2013, 01:01 BST

The 43-year-old was killed in an incident at Ballacrye on the north of the island. The qualifying session was immediately red flagged, the event’s organising body Auto Cycle Union Events said.

Yoshinari, from Saitama, had competed at the TT since 2009, finishing fifth in the 2011 TT Zero for electric bikes as well as racing in the superbike and superstock classes.

He was also 2008 Motegi Endurance race winner.

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A statement on the ACU website read: “The ACU wishes to pass
on their deepest sympathy
to Yoshinari’s family and
friends.”

Gary Thompson, clerk of the course, said: “Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock.

“He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed.”

The Coroner of Inquests
has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is under way.

Since the year 2000, 20 other riders have died at the race event, with four killed in 2000 and three in 2011.