Shropshire racer killed in Isle of Man TT crash

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