I unfortunately have some sad news to report out of the world of motorsports.
During the last lap of the first Supertwin event of the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races that took place Tuesday, Spanish motorbike star Raul Torras Martinez tragically died after crashing. He was 46.
Martinez’s fatal crash came on the 16th- and 17th-mile markers during the race‘s third and final lap, according to an official statement from the Isle of Man TT Races.
Riding for the Optimark Racing Team, Martinez has participated in 21 TT races since 2017. In the 2022 Supertwin race, he finished a career-best 15th place. Martinez also was awarded 18 bronze replicas, which are trophies that are given to riders who finish a race within 110% of the winner’s time.
STATEMENT: RAUL TORRAS MARTINEZ
It is with great sadness that the Isle of Man TT Races can confirm the loss of Raul Torras Martinez following an incident on the final of lap of today’s Supertwin Race.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Raul’s family, loved ones, and friends. pic.twitter.com/5gV3Lf8Fgn
— Isle of Man TT Races (@ttracesofficial) June 6, 2023
Before his untimely death, Martinez competed earlier Tuesday in the Superstock Race, where he recorded his fastest lap ever at the TT Mountain Course and tallied a 20th-place finish, according to the statement.
The Isle of Man TT Races’ statement also highlighted the passion that Martinez had for racing.
“An incredibly popular member of the paddock family, Raul’s smile was infectious and his love for the TT and the sport of road racing was apparent to anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him.” (RELATED: Italian Soccer Hopeful Dies Tragically In Moped Accident At Age 18)
My condolences to the family and friends of Raul Torras Martinez.