Shropshire racer killed in Isle of Man TT crash
Wednesday 1st June 2011, 2:55PM BST.
A SHROPSHIRE SIDECAR racer has died in a crash during a practice session at the Isle of Man TT.
Passenger Kevin Morgan, a 59-year-old father-of-two from Shrewsbury, was killed along with driver Bill Currie, 67, from Ellesmere Port, in an accident last night.
Organisers brought the sidecar qualifying session to an end following the incident at Ballacrye on the north of the island.
In a statement, the sport’s governing body, the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), said: “Bill was an experienced racer who first competed at the TT Races in 1969 when he recorded a third place finish.
“He finished eighth in last year’s TT sidecar race in his fastest ever race time.
“Kevin made his TT debut in 1984. This was the first year that the pair had competed together. Bill was divorced with two children and Kevin was single with two sons. The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of both competitors.”
Jim Parker, ACU Events managing director, said: “I have known both Bill and Kevin for many years and am deeply saddened by their untimely death. They were a huge part of the sidecar paddock and will be sorely missed by everyone involved in the event.”
The ACU added that the coroner had been informed and an investigation into the accident was under way.
Shropshire motorcycle enthusiast Brian Curran today expressed his shock at news of Mr Morgan’s death and said the former garage owner was well known as an experienced passenger.
Mr Curran, who organised many of the Moto Nostalgia charity night events across Shropshire to raise money for medical facilities at the TT and Manx Grand Prix, said: “Kev was one of those guys who has been around the block and was known as a good passenger.”
By Russell Roberts
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A great loss to motorsport, two fab guys and real gents. R.I.P deepest sympathy to both families. Wayne and Andrea Broadhurst
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A very sad story but one that is repeated every year it seems.
Is it not time to call an end to this race? Over the years, motorbikes have advanced in technology to a point where they are capable of racing speeds on the roads. My son rides a Kawasaki ZX9R, and 170mph is easily achieved.
My point is, that while bikes have evolved, the roads on the Isle of Man have not. They are unsuitable for the speeds the racers reach, with no gravel trap run off, more often than not there is a house or a tree there.
Nobody wants to stop these guys enjoying themselves, but there are safer and faster tracks to do it on.
My sympathy to their families, and I sincerely hope a letter like this is not necessary next year. RIP lads.
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you say no one wants to stop these boys having fun yet you say the race should be stopped.. this is the greatest road race on earth,which has been going more than a hundred years of which people have always been crashing and dying there dosent really seem to have been any increase in deaths with the bikes getting faster. no one is forced to race there. the riders choose to risk it all for the ultimate buzz, its there choice and only theres, people die all the time, bikers everyday, the tt is most likley safer than riding to work with all the maniacs in cars flying around. not only that these boys really no what there doing and massive respect to all who take on the tt. yes its sad that on occasion people get it wrong or somthing unforseen may happen that can cause a death but they are more alive than most. its like that saying gos just because your breathing dosent mean your alive. live young die fast.
RIP boys you will be missed
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the no wot there doing when the enter the tt my sympathy go to the families are frends of the to lads rip lads
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As a professional roadracer my dream is to do the isle of man tt one of these days. These guys know going into this race, what can happen and as racers the thrill outweighs the danger. just know they went out doing what they love. RIP… GODSPEED
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worked with kev at furrows for a number of years i think it was late 70s was racing with cliff prichard at the time i seem to remember they won a class i may be wrong probadly seen him twice since nice lad my sympothy goes out to his all family
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Kev Morgan, although small in stature had a massive heart who was the one of the bravest men I have ever met had the pleasure to meet and work with.
He was a completely unassuming guy whose generosity knew no bounds; his unselfish attitude toward everything he did is a lesson to us all.
Godspeed Kev Morgan, you’ll be sorely missed.
Tony T
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I sense the wanderings of a lot of young people, and theres nothing wrong with that,but be careful you are talking about the final act.Faced with death nobody wants to die,we all love the thrill of the chase, and to balance on the very edge, but nobody wants to step over.The problem we have is age, and faster bikes, and as older people die on the island[and they are getting older] i fear for the future of young riders who wish to race there. I am now retired,i have had a life in the industry,i have raced motorcycles on roads and tracks.I was an engine builder for Yer Maun,i have had a fellow racer die in my arms,and lost to many friends.So take care what you think.For all those who have gone RIP.
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