MANX Grand Prix rider Ian Bainbridge, 69, has died following a crash in the second qualifying session of the 2023 event.
The rider passed away yesterday on Tuesday August 22.
twittter @manxgrandprixIan Bainbridge was killed in qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix[/caption]
Bainbridge is the second driver to die as part of the event in three days after fellow rider Gary Vines, 33, died on Sunday.
Bainbridge was killed in an accident on the exit of Kirk Michael Village on his opening lap of the session.
Bainbridge was on his first lap in the second qualifying session when the crash happened at around 7:30pm yesterday.
The session was red flagged before being abandoned.
The rider, from Barnard Castle, was a regular at the event having made his Manx Grand Prix debut in 2005.
Manx Grand Prix organisers released a statement saying: “We would like to extend our profound sympathies to Ian’s wife, his two daughters, his loved ones, and friends.
“Ian had competed regularly at the Manx Grand Prix since 2005, missing only two events since his debut. A stalwart of the classic racing scene, he had raced his Manx Norton around the UK, the Pre TT Classic at the Southern 100, and the Bob McIntyre Memorial Races at East Fortune over many years.
“He was also a keen supporter of grass roots racing, helping new racers attain their licence as an active member of the North East Motorcycle Racing Club.
“A racer of over 30 years who was supported by a close network of family and friends, Ian will be sorely missed.”
The section of the 37.75-mile (60km) course between Douglas Road Corner in Kirk Michael and Orrisdale North remained closed for about three hours following the incident.
Tributes flooded in for Bainbridge on Twitter with fellow riders speaking of their admiration for the motorcyclist.
One fellow racer said: “I can’t say I ever remember talking to Ian Bainbridge, but I do know he was a staunch, long time supporter of our races.
“We’ve lost one of our own. He, like all of us, loved riding his bike around the Mountain Course. Heart felt condolences to Ian’s family and friends.”
Another user said: “Sad to hear the passing Ian Bainbridge during last nights practice session. My thoughts are with his family friends and team.”
A third wrote: “Sympathies and prayers to Ian’s Loved ones, team and friends.”
