Father and son killed in latest Isle of Man TT tragedy: 'Ban it'
The death toll at this year's Isle of Man TT motorcycle races has risen to five, sparking fresh calls for the controversial event to be scrapped.
British father and son sidecar riders Roger and Bradley Stockton are the latest to have died as a result of crashes in the deadly motorsport event.
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The pair, 56 and 21 respectively, were competing as driver and passenger in the second sidecar race when the incident happened on the final lap at Ago's Leap.
They had finished eighth in the first sidecar race of the event on closed public roads around the island.
A statement from the Isle of Man TT read: “It is with deep sense of sorrow that the Isle of Man TT Races can announce the loss of Roger and Bradley Stockton following an incident on the final lap of the second Sidecar Race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races.
It is with deep sense of sorrow that the Isle of Man TT Races can announce the loss of Roger and Bradley Stockton following an incident on the final lap of the second Sidecar Race of TT 2022.
We extend our deepest sympathy to their families, loved ones and friends. pic.twitter.com/IHA3lM5XCt— Isle of Man TT Races (@ttracesofficial) June 10, 2022
“Roger and Bradley were father and son, and driver and passenger respectively. We extend our deepest sympathy to their families, loved ones and friends.
“The loss of two members of our paddock and two people from the same family is truly heart-breaking, but the bond between a father and son who achieved their dream to compete together at the TT provides us with a glimmer of light at such a dark time.”
In a devastating twist, Roger Stockton said earlier in the year: "I've retired a few times before, but always come back for my love of the sport. Going around the course with my own flesh and blood will be incredible."
The races around the island off the north-west coast of England are being held again after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the longest break for the event since World War II.
Regarded as the 'world's deadliest event', riders can reach speeds of up to 322 km/h along 60km and 264 corners of open roads.
The event has been run since 1907 and ranks among the most deadly in motorsport, with 265 deaths to date in the TT races, Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT.
The only year the event was held without a fatality was way back in 1982.
Calls grow louder for Isle of Man TT to be scrapped
Following the spate of deaths at this year's event, outrage is growing on social media as users question why the races have been allowed to go ahead in spite of the obvious dangers.
Among the anger and sadness, tributes have been pouring in for the father-son duo across the motorsport world.
It’s time to ban the Isle of Man TT. 5 dead this year and now 265 in total #BanIsleOfManTT pic.twitter.com/5Z8PuoL5Xs
— DREW GRIFFITHS | RIP DAD 💔 (@DrewDGriffiths) June 11, 2022
We are devastated and deeply saddened to learn that Bradley Stockton, along with his father Roger, have lost their lives following an incident at the Isle of Man TT Races.
He will be missed immeasurably, by all who knew him. 💙https://t.co/lxXJFxAzsg pic.twitter.com/Q7L8cs19aN— Crewe FC (@CreweFC) June 10, 2022
Tragic. Rest in peace. Last time nobody died at the Isle of Man TT was 1982! People saying they knew the risks and were doing what they loved. Well no. If a life can be saved it should be! Its manslaughter! It’s absolutely mad that this race continues to take lives. https://t.co/EcgxryT5gw
— Rich (@ipswichrich2) June 10, 2022
5 people have now died THIS YEAR. How is the Isle of Man TT still a thing? https://t.co/1Q35SmcOwi
— HARRY (@harryyyscott) June 10, 2022
Incredibly there have been 265 deaths at the Isle of Man TT races. There are deaths every year. In 2005 there were 11 deaths. Astonishing!
— Anthony O'Neill (@AnthonyAinsdale) June 10, 2022
Ban it. There isn’t another sport where you are almost guaranteed death of some form when there is a meet. Why is this accepted?
Isle of Man TT: Roger and Bradley Stockton die in sidecar crash - BBC Sport https://t.co/SgxQVerEqE— Simon Johnston (@jontylad) June 10, 2022
I used to adore the Isle of Man TT, and I’m still aghast at the skill and daring of the competitors, but five deaths in one annual event? Something needs to change. For context, five deaths in F1 takes us back to 1982. https://t.co/cxm2GAj4Sy
— FFS it’s Flick 🏳️⚧️ (@CallMeFlick) June 10, 2022
That five deaths at the Isle of Man TT races this year.
No sporting event should even be considered being granted permissions, if there is even one inevitable death every year, never mind FIVE.
Enough.— Justin Deegan (@JustinDeegan_) June 10, 2022
Northern Irish rider Davy Morgan lost his life after crashing out at the controversial race on Monday.
Morgan's death was the third in just five days, prompting fresh calls for the event to be cancelled.
Welsh rider Mark Purslow died in practice last Friday, while French sidecar driver Cesar Chanal died in a crash at Ago's Leap one week ago.
Organisers initially said passenger Olivier Lavorel had died but announced on Wednesday they had mis-identified the victim.
with agencies
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