This year's Isle of Man TT has suffered its first fatality with the death of Raul Torras Martinez, the fastest Spaniard ever to lap the infamous Snaefell Mountain Course.
Martinez was competing in the first Supertwin race of this year's Isle of Man when he crashed on the last lap.
The 46-year-old made his debut at the Isle of Man in 2017 and contested 21 races.
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Although he never won a race there, he earned 18 bronze replicas – awarded to all finishers who complete the race within 110 per cent of the winner's time.
Just hours before he died, Martinez recorded his quickest lap ever on the course, averaging 201.924km/h (125.470mph), in the Superstock race.
Martinez recently starred in the Isle of Man documentary No Room for Error.
"With great sadness, the Isle of Man TT Races can confirm that Raul Torras Martinez, 46, from Sant Hilari Sacalm, Spain, was killed in an accident during the first Supertwin race of the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races," a statement from race organisers read.
"The accident occurred at Alpine, between the 16th and 17th mile markers, on the third and final lap of the race.
"Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year's Supertwin Race.
https://twitter.com/denkmit/status/1666199155071410187"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.
"The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Raul's family, friends, and loved ones."
The Isle of Man is perhaps known as much for the sheer volume of deaths as the race itself.
The latest fatality is the 267th death on the 60km street circuit and continues a record dating back to 2002 of a rider death every year racing has been held on the island.
The Isle of Man hosted its first Tourist Trophy race in 1907 and suffered its first death in 1911.
In 2005, the island suffered its deadliest year when 11 people were killed. Three riders and one marshall died in the TT then six riders and one spectator were killed in the Manx Grand Prix.
The Isle of Man TT concludes on June 10.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
This year's Isle of Man TT has suffered its first fatality with the death of Raul Torras Martinez, the fastest Spaniard ever to lap the infamous Snaefell Mountain Course.
Martinez was competing in the first Supertwin race of this year's Isle of Man when he crashed on the last lap.
The 46-year-old made his debut at the Isle of Man in 2017 and contested 21 races.
READ MORE: Greg Norman kept in dark before LIV bombshell
READ MORE: The Cleary replacement Maroons icons fear most
READ MORE: Ex-Origin star's monster ban for 'unacceptable' act
Although he never won a race there, he earned 18 bronze replicas – awarded to all finishers who complete the race within 110 per cent of the winner's time.
Just hours before he died, Martinez recorded his quickest lap ever on the course, averaging 201.924km/h (125.470mph), in the Superstock race.
Martinez recently starred in the Isle of Man documentary No Room for Error.
"With great sadness, the Isle of Man TT Races can confirm that Raul Torras Martinez, 46, from Sant Hilari Sacalm, Spain, was killed in an accident during the first Supertwin race of the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races," a statement from race organisers read.
"The accident occurred at Alpine, between the 16th and 17th mile markers, on the third and final lap of the race.
"Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year's Supertwin Race.
https://twitter.com/denkmit/status/1666199155071410187"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.
"The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Raul's family, friends, and loved ones."
The Isle of Man is perhaps known as much for the sheer volume of deaths as the race itself.
The latest fatality is the 267th death on the 60km street circuit and continues a record dating back to 2002 of a rider death every year racing has been held on the island.
The Isle of Man hosted its first Tourist Trophy race in 1907 and suffered its first death in 1911.
In 2005, the island suffered its deadliest year when 11 people were killed. Three riders and one marshall died in the TT then six riders and one spectator were killed in the Manx Grand Prix.
The Isle of Man TT concludes on June 10.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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