A tragic accident during Wednesday’s qualifying session for the Isle of Man TT races claimed the life of French motorcyclist Franck Petricola.
According to the Auto Cycle Union (ACU), while riding his BMW S1000RR, Petricola crashed at Sulby Crossroads near mile 19 of the 37.73-mile Mountain Course at around 7:45 PM Wednesday evening.
The 32-year-old motorcyclist had made a miraculous comeback to racing following a horrific accident that occurred just last year at the North West 200 when he crashed into a lamppost at 80mph. The crash almost killed Petricola, leaving him in a coma with severe injuries, but he managed to recover.
This was the second motorcycle death at the island in the past few days after spectator Charles Hughes, 60, crashed on Sunday, May 31, though, according to Fox Sports, it was an off day for the sanctioned Isle of Man TT events.
After Petricola’s death, ACU issued the following statement :
“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.”