It is with sadness that bikesportnews.com has to report the death of Japanese racer Yoshinari Matsushita in an incident at Ballacrye this evening.
Matsushita-san was a late addition to the Tyco Suzuki team and it was only announced earlier today he would join Josh Brookes and Guy Martin to race in both Supersport events this year
A statement from TT organisers ACU Events reads:
ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that Japanese rider Yoshinari Matsushita, 43, was killed during the qualifying session at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races in an incident at Ballacrye in the North of the Island. The session was immediately red flagged following the accident.
Yoshinari, from Saitama in Japan was an experienced racer who first competed at the TT Races in 2009. As well as competing regularly in the Superstock and Superbike classes he also finished 5th in the 2011 TT Zero for electric bikes. He was also 2008 Motegi Endurance race winner.
The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Yoshinari’s family and friends.
Gary Thompson, MBE, Clerk of the Course, ACU, commented:
“Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock. He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed.”
The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.