TT 2016: Sidecar veteran Ian Bell has died

Sidecar racing veteran Ian Bell has died following a crash in today’s second sidecar race at the Isle of Man TT. The 58-year-old motorcycle dealer was killed following a crash at Ballaspur during the race.

One of the stalwarts of the three-wheelers at the TT since his debut in 1995, Ian took the newcomers’ award in his first year and went on to five podiums and victory in the 2003 race.

Coming from a sidecar family where both elder brother Geoff and brother Geordie raced in chairs, the former British champion was also an experienced solo machine competitor in the past, one of only a handful to win on both two and three wheels.

The family legacy also continued to son Carl, who passengered Ian during today’s race, thankfully escaping the crash uninjured.

MCN joins TT organisers and the racing paddock in passing our deepest condolences to Ian’s wife Trudi, children Carl and Rachael, friends, family and fans.