This year’s Manx Grand Prix (the centenary edition) has sadly got off to the worst possible start. On the first lap of the inaugural session, which ran on Sunday 20 August, Gary Vines crashed through the very fast Ballagarey section, which caused the session to be suspended as a result. Then came official confirmation that the rider had succumbed to his injuries.

Aged 33 and originally from Colchester, Gary was an expert rider, having competed on the Island since 2015, the year in which he won the newcomers race at the Manx Grand Prix. He went on to score a podium in the 2018 Lightweight race and, just a few months ago, set his best ever lap on the Island during the Tourist Trophy, lapping at an average speed of 118.488 mph.

The Motosprint staff extends its sincere condolences to Gary’s team, family and partner.