2016 Isle of Man TT Death Toll
Two additional riders died Friday following crashes at the 2016 Isle of Man TT, bringing this year’s death toll up to four. The last time four riders died at the IOM TT was 2000.
The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) reports that Andrew Soar, 32, died following a crash at Keppel Gate during the final race of the 2016 TT, the Senior TT. Ian Bell, 58, of Bedlington, was the other; he crashed Friday at Ballaspur during the second Sidecar race.
Soar and Bell bring the total fatalities at the 2016 IOMTT up to four; the other two riders perished Saturday, June 4. Paul Shoesmith, 50, crashed during solo practice, and Dwight Beare, 27, crashed during the first sidecar race.
With the passing of Soar and Bell, a total of 247 riders have died in both TT and Manx Grand Prix races since 1911. During the 2015 Isle of Man TT, the Frenchman Franck Petricola died during a qualifying crash.
Following are the official ACU reports:
ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that Andrew Soar, 32, from Loughborough in Leicestershire was killed today following an accident at Keppel Gate during today’s Senior TT Race at the Isle of Man TT Races.
Andrew was an experienced competitor on the TT Mountain Course. He made his Mountain Course debut at the Manx Grand Prix in 2012 finishing runner up in both the Newcomers A race and Senior MGP in his first year. He won the Senior MGP in 2014 and made his first appearance at the TT in 2015.
ACU Events Ltd wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Andrew’s family and friends.
Ian Bell Official ACU Statement:
ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that sidecar driver Ian Bell, 58, from Bedlington, Northumberland was killed following an accident at Ballaspur during today’s Sidecar Race 2 at the Isle of Man TT Races. Ian was competing with his son Carl who was reported to be uninjured.
Ian, a motorcycle dealer, was married to Trudi and had two children. He made his
TT Races debut in 1995, winning the newcomers trophy, and achieved five podiums during his TT career including a race win in 2003.
ACU Events Ltd wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Ian’s family and friends.
