The Spanish pilot Raúl Torras MartÃnez, 46, died this Tuesday in an accident during the first Supertwin date of the 2023 TT Races on the Isle of Man, the organization reported “with great sadness” in an official statement. “The accident took place at Alpine, between mile markers 16 and 17, on the third and final lap of the race,” the note published Tuesday night specified.
“Raúl was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017 and got his best result with fifteenth place last year in the Supertwin Race. He recorded his fastest lap of the TT Mountain Circuit just today in the Superstock race, with a Vuelta at an average speed of 125,470 miles per hour (201.9 km/h), thus ensuring twentieth place in the final classification,” recalled the organization.
A native of Sant Hilari Sacalm (Girona), Raúl Torras “has been the fastest Spaniard to date to have completed the TT Circuit”, according to the statement about the pilot, who has competed in 21 TT races, in which he achieved 18 Bronze Statuettes. “An incredibly popular member of the paddock family, Raúl’s smile was contagious and his love for TT and the sport of road racing was evident to anyone lucky enough to meet him,” he added.
“The Isle of Man TT Racing Organization would like to send its deepest condolences to Raúl’s family, friends and all his loved ones,” he concluded.
The Tourist Trophy test on the British island is considered one of the most dangerous tests in the world. Almost every year there are victims to lament. Without going any further, the 2022 edition was also marked by tragedy, with five deceased participants. The debate on whether it should continue to be held continues.
“If you don’t like our rules, a ferry leaves every half hour”, reads a sign when you arrive in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man. This competition is held on the Snaefell Mountain Course, a 60-kilometre circuit on urban roads with all kinds of obstacles (walls, lampposts, curbs…). Since the creation of the test in 1907, it is claimed that 266 participants have lost their lives.