Tributes are paid to racer, 26, killed in crash on Isle of Man
TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN pouring in for East Yorkshire’s James Cowton, who died after crashing during a race on the Isle of Man.
The 26-year-old from Kilham, near Bridlington, suffered fatal injuries on Thursday after he was involved in an accident between four bikes at the Southern 100 meeting.
Friends and fans of Mr Cowton paid tribute to a “lovely guy on and off the track”, saying he was “one of nicest most down-toearth yet mega-talented lads.”
The tragedy comes just days after the death of William Dunlop, 32, who was taking part in the Skerries 100 motorcycle road race in County Dublin when he crashed last Saturday.
One of the three other riders involved in the crash at Stadium Bends during the 600cc Challenge Race, Lincolnshire racer Ivan Lintin, 33, a regular at the Isle of Man TT races, is in a critical condition.
Another of the riders, Jamie Coward, tweeted yesterday that he had “broken fingers and an extremely sore back” but felt “extremely lucky.”
He added: “I’d like everyones thoughts and prayers like mine to be with my friends and there family’s (sic) at this tough time.”
The fourth rider, Mickey Evans, suffered leg and arm injuries.
The organisers of Thursday’s race, the Southern 100 MCRC, extended its condolences to family and friends, saying they were carrying out a full investigation with Isle of Man Constabulary on behalf of the coroner.
At last year’s Southern 100 meeting, Mr Cowton had set a new track record for the 650 class and claimed three second places, one third, one fourth, two fifths and a sixth-place finish.
Ulster Grand Prix, where Mr Cowton won the 250 Lightweight race in 2014, said he would be “another man greatly missed in the paddock.”
In one post, a fan said he would “ride high” with other talented young riders who have died in crashes in recent years, including Mr Dunlop and Daniel Hegarty, 31, who died in last November’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.
She added: “You were all dedicated to the sport, thank you for giving it your all.”
Another wrote: “You inspired so many. A talent that won’t be forgotten.”