Spanish driver Raul Torras Martinez dies in a race that has already claimed 267 lives
In late May/early June, the annual Isle of Man TT or Tourist Trophy races take place, an event considered one of the most dangerous in the world. In 2023 too, the race lived up to that reputation ...
The first edition of the race was organised in 1907 and since then some of the best motorcyclists competed on the green island.
During the event, riders race along public roads at high speed and try to set the fastest lap. But this is not without danger ...
Over the years, the Isle of Man TT has gained a reputation for being a deadly event, with as many as 266 fatalities before the 2023 edition.
The 2022 edition took a high toll, with no fewer than six participants dying during the event, according to The Guardian.
Picture: the 2022 edition of the Isle of Man TT, screenshot Instagram @tt_races
The 2022 race took the lives of father Roger Stockton and his son Bradley during the second sidecar race, the newspaper reported.
Picture: screenshot Facebook ABP Motorsport, Roger and Bradley Stockton
There was also one death in the 2023 race: Spanish driver Raul Torras Martinez died during the event.
This brings the total number of fatalities in the race to 267, a staggering number.
Picture: Davy Morgan, one of the drivers that died during the 2022 edition of the Isle of Man TT, screenshot Instagram @ttracesofficial
Torras Martinez was an experienced driver who had participated in no less than 21 races in the Isle of Man TT over the years.
The Spaniard was in good form in 2023, setting his fastest lap ever in the Superstock race.
"Raul was the fastest Spaniard ever to have lapped the TT course," The Guardian quoted the race organisers.
According to the newspaper, Torras Martinez died during the first Supertwin race.
Picture: screenshot @ttracesofficial, Josh Brookes during the 2023 Supertwin race
Torras Martinez was on his last lap when he crashed between the 16th and 17th miles.
Picture: screenshot Instagram @torras 49
The Spaniard lived to be just 46 and was loved by his fellow motorsport drivers.
Picture: screenshot Instagram @torras49
"An incredibly popular member of the paddock family, Raul’s smile was infectious and his love for the TT and the sport of road racing was apparent to anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him," the organisers of the race wrote on Instagram.
Picture: screenshot Instagram @ttracesofficial
So far, the Isle of Man TT has claimed the lives of 267 riders. With the 2023 edition ending the life of Torras Martinez, the question is whether he will be the last ...
Picture: screenshot @torras49