Father and son killed in TT race
A FATHER and son were killed in a horror crash during sidecar racing at the Isle of Man TT, taking the death toll from this year’s event to five.
Roger Stockton, 56, and Bradley, 21, from Crewe, both died in the 100mph crash at Ago’s Leap during the second sidecar race on Friday.
Passenger Bradley was a newcomer to the event, while his father last competed at the famous motorcycle TT in 2017.
Five riders have now died at this year’s event, including sidecar driver Cesar Chanal who was killed in a crash at the same place as Roger and Bradley during lap one of a sidecar race in a different category last week.
Earlier this year, Roger had told of his excitement at competing in the event, his 20th TT race, with his son.
“I’ve retired a few times before but always come back for my love of the sport. Going around the course with my own flesh and blood will be incredible,” he said.
In a tribute, ABP Motorsport, where Bradley worked, posted on Facebook: “The whole ABP family are absolutely devastated to share the news that ‘our Brad’ has sadly lost his life.
“Brad was just 21 and was taking part in a sport that he loved – he was funny, brave, annoying, loved, brilliant, handsome and had his whole life ahead of him.
“He left us today alongside his father – pursuing a dream, a passion that brought both glory and danger.
“We are a very close family and we now have a huge gaping, devastating hole in our hearts.
“Fly high Bradley, ride fast and we all pray that you have gone to a better place. Gone but never ever forgotten.”
In a statement, organisers said it was “with a deep sense of sorrow” they could confirm both racers were “killed in an incident on the second and final lap of the second sidecar race”.
“The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Roger and Bradley’s families, loved ones and friends.”
Following the crash organisers called off the remainder of the day’s racing due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Two other competitors have died at the 2022 TT, which returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Northern Ireland’s Davy Morgan, 52, suffered fatal injuries in the Supersport race last Monday and Welsh rider Mark Purslow, 29, was killed in qualifying the previous week.
Organisers were forced to apologise last week after mistakenly naming Olivier Lavorel, the sidecar passenger, as the deceased instead of the driver Mr Chanal.