Manx Grand Prix Racer Dies After Accident

43-year-old racer Louis O’Regan has sadly lost his life after suffering an accident during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix, leading to road closures. O’Regan suffered multiple injuries before eventually passing away.

O’Regan was an experienced racer at the event which takes place on the Isle of Man. O’Regan made his debut in 2013 as part of the ‘Newcomers Race’. The Irish rider achieved his best top speed at the event in 2019 when he lapped the course with an average speed of 114.7mph.

A statement from the race organisers said: “Louis, an Irishman who lived in Didcot, England, was an experienced competitor at the Manx Grand Prix having made his debut in the 2013 Newcomers A Race, finishing 12th. He recorded his personal best lap speed in the 2019 Junior Race, lapping at an average speed of 114.7mph.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Louis’s partner Sarah, his family, loved ones, and friends.”

O’Regan’s crash happened at Kate’s Cottage which is around 30 miles into the 37-mile course. Following the accident road closures were confirmed, however, racing will go on throughout the week, starting with today at 6:30pm. O’Regan is not the only rider to have fallen victim to such tragedy, as last year produced another death when Iain Bainbridge died during the second qualifying session.

If you’ve never experienced the Isle of Man TT course, whether that be as a spectator or rider, it’s a course that is steeped with history and one you should take time to visit. However, it has also produced many sad moments throughout the years as many have lost their life due to injuries suffered. That did not apply to this year’s Isle of Man TT event, thankfully, and hopefully this week’s Manx GP goes on without further incidents.  

Qualifying for the event continues until Thursday before racing begins on Friday 23 August. Racing concludes on Bank Holiday Monday. 

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