Spanish racer Raul Torras Martinez has died from injuries sustained in an accident during the Supertwins TT Race 1 encounter on 6 June [Tuesday], organisers for the 2023 Isle of Man TT have confirmed.
The 46-year old from Sant Hilari Sacalm came off his Optimark Road Racing Aprilia RS 660 at Alpine, between the 16th and 17th mile markers, on the third and final lap of a Supertwins TT race won by Michael Dunlop.
One of only a few riders from overseas competing in the historic road racing festival, Martinez was an experienced and competitive TT contender, making his debut on the event in 2017.
Scoring a best race result of 15th position in the 2022 Supertwins TT race, Martinez had earlier in the day clocked his fastest ever lap of the Mountain Course in the 2023 Superstock TT race, producing a 125.470mph on a Honda CBR1000RR-R en route to 20th overall.
It made him the fastest Spaniard around the Snaefell route, while his 21 TT appearances earned him 18 Bronze Replicas.
Martinez is the first rider to die as a result of injuries sustained at the 2023 Isle of Man TT, occurring on the ninth day of track action.
A marked difference to that of the 2022 TT, which saw six competitors die over the course of the two-week event, excellent weather from the start has played a significant role. In addition, TT organisers have initiated a major resurfacing project prior to the event and scaled back roadside natural cover to improve visibility and safety.
Since the end of World War II in 1945, there has been only one edition of the TT to pass without the recording of a single fatality, back in 1982.
BSN would like to extend its deepest sympathies with Raul’s friends and family
