Organisers for the Manx Grand Prix have confirmed the death of competitor Gary Vines in an accident during the first day of qualifying practice on the Isle of Man.

Vines, from Colchester in Essex succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash at Ballagarey during his opening lap of Sunday afternoon's session.

Though only 33-years old, Vines had accumulated substantial experience at the Isle of Man, making his first start in the 2015 Manx Grand Prix, where he was a winer in the Newcomers B Race, before securing his first podium in the 2018 Lightweight Race.

In addition, Vines has secured top ten results at the Classic TT and appeared at the Isle of Man TT in the Supersport class for the past two years. This year's edition would see Vines clock a personal best lap of 118.488mph around the Mountain Course.

Statement from Manx Grand Prix Races

It is with a heavy heart that the organisers of the Manx Grand Prix Races can confirm that Gary Vines, 33, from Colchester, succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident during the first qualifying session of the 2023 event. The accident occurred at Ballagarey on his first lap of the session.
 
Gary was a regular competitor at the Manx Grand Prix, making his debut in 2015 where he took a highly-impressive victory in the Newcomers B Race. He earned another podium in the 2018 Lightweight Race, and also secured top-ten finishes at the Classic TT. He competed in the Supersport Races at the 2022 and 2023 TT Races, posting his fastest ever lap of the TT Mountain Course this year at an average speed of 118.488mph.
 
Everyone involved in the organisation of the Manx Grand Prix would like to express their deepest sympathies to Gary’s family, his partner, his loved ones, and friends.

The 2023 Manx Grand Prix continues with the second of five qualifying practice days before racing gets underway on Friday evening.