The 2015 Isle of Man TT has sadly claimed its first fatality of the new season. French rider Franck Petricola died during qualifying on June 3 at around 7:45 PM local time after crashing at a point of the course called Sulby Crossroads. He was 32 years old.
This was Petricola's first running in the Isle of Man TT, but he was a veteran motorcycle racer. He had intended to make his debut on the island course last year, but an injury while racing prevented him from competing. According to a statement from the event organizers, "The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway."
The Isle of Man TT course is quite possibly the most dangerous racing venue in the world. The race course claimed the lives of five riders last year.
Our condolences go out to Petricola's friends and family.
This was Petricola's first running in the Isle of Man TT, but he was a veteran motorcycle racer. He had intended to make his debut on the island course last year, but an injury while racing prevented him from competing. According to a statement from the event organizers, "The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway."
The Isle of Man TT course is quite possibly the most dangerous racing venue in the world. The race course claimed the lives of five riders last year.
Our condolences go out to Petricola's friends and family.
Statement issued on behalf of the ACU
Franck Petricola
ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that French rider Franck Petricola, 32, from Pont a Mousson was killed following an accident at Sulby Crossroads at approximately 7.45pm during this evening's qualifying session at the Isle of Man TT races.
Petricola was a regular competitor in the IRRC Championship and enjoyed his best season in 2013 with 11th overall in the Superbike category. His best result, sixth, came at Chimay and he ended the year strongly with six successive top ten finishes and took a brace of thirds in the Lightweight Races at Horice and Terlicko.
He was due to make his TT debut in 2014 but was injured in the North West 200 meeting earlier in the month and was forced to withdraw from last year's event. He returned to full fitness and raced at Scarborough and the North West 200 where he finished 25th in the Superstock race and 21st in the Superbike Race.
The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Franck's family and friends.
The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.
Franck Petricola
ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that French rider Franck Petricola, 32, from Pont a Mousson was killed following an accident at Sulby Crossroads at approximately 7.45pm during this evening's qualifying session at the Isle of Man TT races.
Petricola was a regular competitor in the IRRC Championship and enjoyed his best season in 2013 with 11th overall in the Superbike category. His best result, sixth, came at Chimay and he ended the year strongly with six successive top ten finishes and took a brace of thirds in the Lightweight Races at Horice and Terlicko.
He was due to make his TT debut in 2014 but was injured in the North West 200 meeting earlier in the month and was forced to withdraw from last year's event. He returned to full fitness and raced at Scarborough and the North West 200 where he finished 25th in the Superstock race and 21st in the Superbike Race.
The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Franck's family and friends.
The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.
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