2016 Isle of Man TT Deaths
It was a sad weekend for motorcycle racing around the globe. First news struck out of Spain Friday when Moto2 pilot Luis Salom, 24, died following a practice crash at Cataluna-Barcelona Circuit. Then on Saturday, sadness struck not once, but twice during the opening day of racing for the 2016 Isle of Man TT.
The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) reports that Paul Shoesmith, 50, was killed following a crash during Superstock solo practice. The Poynton resident wrecking at Sulby Straight. The other rider that died from injuries due to a crash was sidecar driver Dwight Beare, 27, of Australia; Beare was killed near Rhencullen during the Sidecar Race 1.
Both sessions were red flagged due to the incidents.
The tragedies brings the total death toll up to 245 in both TT and Manx Grand Prix races since the events began on the Isle of Man in 1911. Last year, newcomer Franck Petricola, of France, was killed during a fatal qualifying crash.
Following are the official ACU reports:
ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that Paul Shoesmith, 50, from Poynton, Cheshire was killed following an accident on Sulby Straight during this evening’s solo practice at the Isle of Man TT Races. The session was abandoned.
Paul made his TT Races debut in 2005 and had a highest placed finish of 15th on the TT Mountain Course in both the Superbike and Senior Races in 2011. He also achieved finishes of 8th and 11th in the 2008 and 2009 Lightweight TT Races at the Billown circuit.
He achieved his fastest ever lap around the TT Mountain Course in today’s Superbike Race, lapping at 125.896mph and finishing 29th. He won forty bronze replicas including the one he received for today’s race.
Paul also operated his own Ice Valley Four Anjels Racing team and gave numerous riders the opportunity to compete at a high level in the TT races including many of the current race paddock.
ACU Events Ltd wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Paul’s family and friends.
Dwight Beare Official ACU Statement:
ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that Australian sidecar driver Dwight Beare, 27, originally from Melbourne, Australia who was a resident of Onchan in the Isle of Man was killed following an accident near Rhencullen during today’s Sidecar Race 1 at the Isle of Man TT Races. The race was immediately red flagged.
Dwight made his TT Races debut in 2014, achieving a 12th place in his second race on the Isle of Man when he competed with father Noel as his passenger. The pair returned to the Isle of Man TT last year, achieving a 17th place in the first sidecar race.
Dwight’s passenger Benjamin Binns, from the Isle of Man, was airlifted to Nobles Hospital where he was described as being stable with a fractured ankle.
ACU Events Ltd wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Dwight’s family and friends.
Lets rejoice in their appetite for life. They lived not in fear of anything. God rest your souls.
My deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Mr. Shoesmith and Mr. Beare. May their souls rest in peace. These races on the Isle of Man test a man’s courage, skills, and resolve beyond belief. Anyone who competes at the Isle of Man exhibits a bravery only exceeded by men in combat.
Sure beats dying from cancer. Live life to the fullest and enjoy the moment.
Don’t be ridiculous. Competing in motorcycle races is a sport enjoyed by
many. Maybe they’d rather live and die doing something they enjoy and
don’t really care if it “means something” to anyone else. 245 deaths since 1911. Tell
me, how many have died since 2003 alone over in that sand hole?
Hell yeah!!!!
When in the Military your life is for someone else to use. In a dangerous sport it is the individual who is in control of their own destiny.