Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez and how did he die?
MOTORBIKE racer Raul Torras Martinez was killed in the first Supertwin race of 2023.
The race has now claimed the lives of 267 people, including passengers and spectators.
Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez?
Raul Torras Martinez was from Sant Hilari Sacalm in Spain.
He was an experienced motorsport athlete, having competed in 21 races since his debut in 2017.
Supertwin Race organisers said: “Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year’s Supertwin Race.”
At the Supertwin Race on June 6, 2023, the racer recorded his fastest ever lap of the TT course at an average speed of 125.470mph.
Organisers said: “Raul was the fastest Spaniard ever to have lapped the TT course.”
Mr Martinez had earned a total of 18 bronze replica trophies throughout his appearances at the races.
When asked what his ambitions in road racing were, Mr Martinez said: “To have fun with the bike, and to be able to fight for a top-20 finish at the TT in a 1000cc class.”
What happened to Raul Torras Martinez?
Mr Martinez was competing in the first Supertwin Race of the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races.
The TT takes place over two weeks, bringing motorcycle road racers from all around the world.
On his final lap of the three-lap race, Mr Martinez had an accident at the Alpine between the 16th and 17th mile markers.
How did Raul Torras Martinez die?
He was riding for the Optimark Racing Team when he tragically lost his life.
Mr Martinez fell off his bike in a horrifying crash on his final lap of the first Supertwin Race.
His death is the first fatality of the event.
The TT races have been running since 1907 and even rank as one of the most dangerous in motorsport.
TT boss Gary Thompson told Sky News that riders accept the risks of the course and that more is being done to improve the safety of the course.
He said in May 2023: “We try to manage risk much better than was done in the past.
Was Raul Torras Martinez married and did he have any children?
Not much is known about Mr Martinez’s life outside of his motorsport racing.
However, the organisers have released a statement sending their condolences to his family and friends.