Franck Petricola: Isle of Man TT Event Claims Life Of French Rider
An Isle of Man TT racing event claimed the life of Franck Petricola, a French rider, on Wednesday.
This marks the second death on the island since practices started. Charles Hughes, 60, a rider who was visiting the island as a spectator, suffered a fatal crash on Sunday, and ACU Events Ltd announced that the French competitor Franck Petricola crashed on Wednesday during qualifying.
Following Franck’s death, ACU Events Ltd issued a statement on his behalf.
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.
The TT is a fantastic event but sometimes it can be a very cruel event RIP Franck Petricola pic.twitter.com/lW64uxDMNg
— Martyn Wilson (@PitLanePhoto) June 4, 2015
Isle of Man TT Races Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson paid tribute to the rider during Wednesday night’s TT Superbike qualifying session.
“Franck showed incredible character to battle back from the serious injuries he suffered at the North West 200 last year when many a lesser man would have given up the challenge but it showed his determination to compete on the mountain course,” Thompson said. “The road racing community has lost a remarkable man and I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
Today we are paying our respects to Franck Petricola, who sadly died yesterday in a TT qualifier. RIP. pic.twitter.com/B2dwlyp1B4
— Keep Britain Biking (@BritainBiking) June 4, 2015
Isle of Man TT is an annual series of racing events that dates back to 1907, according to Fox Sports. It takes place on the 37.73-mile circuit known as the Snaefell Mountain Course on the Isle of Man, and is considered one of the deadliest races on Earth. Since its conception, 237 riders have lost their lives.
[Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images]
