Raül Torras Martinez, a 46-year-old rider, tragically lost his life during the final lap of the first Supertwin motorcycle race at the 2023 Isle of Man TT on Tuesday. Notably, he remains the fastest Spaniard to ever lap the TT course and had just lapped the course with an average speed of just over 125 mph (201 km/h). Regrettably, his passing marks the 267th fatality in the event’s extensive history.
An experienced motorcyclist, Torras Martinez had taken part in dozens of races and walked away with at least 18 podium finishes. According to numerous sources, his fatal accident occurred somewhere between the 16th and 17th-mile markers on the 37.3-mile course. Further details of what caused the crash are unknown at this time.
Earlier on Tuesday, Torras Martinez had set a new personal lap record with an average speed of 125.47 mph. That blistering pace was good enough for 20th place.
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His racing team confirmed the accident on Instagram saying “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our rider, Raül Torras Martínez, has died due to an accident on the 3rd lap of the Supertwin race of the Isle of Man TT. We are devastated, our thoughts are with the family of our beloved Raül.”
Last year, at least six people died in the event including Olivier Lavorel, Cesar Chanal, Mark Purslow, Davy Morgan, and father/son duo Roger and Bradley Stockton. The news was first reported by Periodismodelmotor.
Somewhat ironically, Torras Martinez posted an excerpt from William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus on Instagram just a few days ago. A poem about courage in the face of death, the final few lines speak to the life Torras lived.
“It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”
Here’s to hoping that he’s the only fatality at the Isle of Man TT this year.