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Today heralds the first (and hopefully last) death at the 2011 TT races.

"Derek Brien, 34, from Co. Meath in Ireland was killed during the first Supersport race at the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races following a high speed accident at Gorse Lea"

When the red flags went up during the race it was apparent something wasn't quite right. Then they announced the death and I immediately had goose bumps all over.

RIP and may there not be another one this year...




Statement issued on behalf of the ACU

Following the red flag during the first run of the Supersport 1 race, the following statement has been issued.

“ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce the death of Derek Brien, 34, from Co. Meath in Ireland who was killed during the first Supersport race at the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races following a high speed accident at Gorse Lea. The race was immediately red flagged following the incident.”

“Derek was an experienced road racer who first competed on the Isle of Man in the Manx Grand Prix in 2007 and competed in the TT Races in 2009 and 2010. He had a highest TT place of 13th in the 2010 Supersport 1 race.”

“Derek was single with a partner, Sarah. The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Derek’s family and friends.”

Jim Parker, Managing Director, ACU Events, commented:

“Derek was a very talented road racer and achieved a number of notable career highlights including his Manx Grand Prix victory.”

“He will be sorely missed.”

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and investigation into the circumstances of the accident is under way.

This reminds me a bit of what happened to Ollie Bridewell at a British Superbikes event at Mallory Park, England, in 2007. He was only 21 though.

SV

A shame.

The video (of a different crash at the TT) QuietMonkey posted on Sunday points up the difference between this and a racetrack. If you run off at a racetrack, you're into the gravel or hay bales or whatever. At the TT, you're into a stone fence or a tree or a building.

May he RIP... and may there be no more.

Derek Brien wasn't the first at the 2011 TT. Sidecar racers Bill Currie and Kevin Morgan were killed in practice, during the TT fortnight.

The number killed does not even matter anymore really. The racers who die do matter to the islanders, and the racers, but it does not affect how they think about the race. There will be deaths every year, and the racers just get on with it. In fact, for racers like Guy Martin, they would not race it the danger was taken away. It is a race that rewards concentration, and steady progress. Foolhardy tactics are penalised with severe injury or death, and the racers would not have it another way.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe- ... n-13630316

I'm not surprised there were deaths during trials... many riders pushing their limits just to make it in the actual race. I see what you mean about the need for that thrill to be there and fully agree that the riders that do it do it just for that thrill. It's just a shame when you hear of a death, even though it's nearly inevitable. Real shame.

As much as I love the TT and it's history, I believe that modern motorcycles have simply outgrown it. Today's bikes are just too fast for a street course.

RIP

RIP

I love to watch the TT, but I don't like seeing anyone hurt or killed and unfortunatly it happens way too much there.