Isle of Man TT 2014: Karl Harris Dies in Superstock TT Crash

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

Former three-time British Supersport Champion Karl Harris has died from injuries in a crash during the Superstock TT race. Harris is the second rider to have lost his life during the 2014 Isle of Man TT; Bob Price was killed in a crash during the Supersport TT race a day earlier. A total of nine racers have died in the Isle of Man TT over the last five years, with the Snaefell Mountain Course claiming another eight riders over that span as part of the Manx Grand Prix.

Harris crashed in an area known as Joey’s Corner during the second lap of the Superstock TT race. The 34-year-old from Sheffield, England, made his Isle of Man TT debut in 2012 but he is best known for his success in the British Supersport Championship, winning the title in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

He later raced in the British Superbike Championship, finishing a career-best fifth in 2006. Harris also raced in the World Supersport Championship and in 1999 won the European Superstock 1000cc Championship.

“Karl was one of the great characters in the race paddock,” says Gary Thompson, TT Clerk of the Course. “His infectious enthusiasm and sense of humor lit up many race meetings. He was a hugely talented racer and will be sorely missed.”

A coroner is investigating the circumstances of Harris’ accident.

[Source: IOMTT.com]

Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

More by Dennis Chung

Comments
Join the conversation
Next