The three time British Supersport champion was killed after coming off on the mountain section of the course at the 26th milestone.

34-year-old Harris from Humber in Sheffield was on the last lap of the four lap race when it happened.

He made his TT debut in 2012 and finished 16th in last year’s Superstock race.

Race organisers say he was one of the ‘great characters’ in the paddock with an ‘infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour’.

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation is now underway

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Statement issued on behalf of ACU Events Ltd

ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that Karl Harris, 34, from Sheffield was killed during the Superstock Race at the Isle of Man TT races today following an incident at Joey's on the 2nd lap of the race.

Harris, a professional Motorbike racer, made his TT Races debut in 2012. He was a triple British Supersport Champion and British Superbike podium finisher.

Harris appeared on the racing scene as a teenager in the 1990s, when he rode for Team Great Britain in the Superteen Championship. From there, Harris went on to win the 1999 European Superstock 1000cc Championship before spending a season in the World Supersport Championship.

He was best known for his British Championship career. He was the dominant force in the British Supersport Championship in the early 2000s before becoming a prominent front-runner in the Superbike class for the factory Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha teams.

Harris won three British Supersport Championships between 2001 and 2004, the first for Crescent Suzuki and the remaining two for Honda Racing, before progressing full time to the premier Superbike category in 2005. His best season came in 2006 when he finished in 5th place overall recording 6 podiums. In total, Harris notched up 12 BSB podiums.

The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Karl's family and friends.

Gary Thompson, TT Clerk of the Course, ACU Events, said:

"Karl was one of the great characters in the race paddock. His infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour lit up many race meetings. He was a hugely talented racer and will be sorely missed."

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.

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The highs are brilliant but the low points are just awful.

This sport of ours can be so cruel.

Rest in peace "bomber".

Malcolm.


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