JAPANESE racer Yoshinari Matsushita, 43, has died at the TT.
Despite being a highly experienced racer, Matsushita was a late entry to this year's TT after Tyco Suzuki announced he'd be riding alongside Josh Brookes and Guy Martin in the Supersport 600 race.
Matsushita from Saitama in Japan first competed at the TT Races in 2009. As well as competing regularly in the Superstock and Superbike classes he also finished 5th in the 2011 TT Zero for electric bikes. He was also 2008 Motegi Endurance race winner.
Gary Thompson, MBE, Clerk of the Course, ACU, commented: “Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock. He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed.”
Matsushita had expressed his delight at being involved with the Tyco Suzuki squad at this year's TT and on Monday he said: "As a member of this great team for the TT, I draw the full power to be able to use their experience to fight this monster course at best. I did not ever think a miracle like this would ever happen."
