Suzuki flags at half-mast

Friday morning’s practice at the Isle of Man TT was carried out in a sombre mood after the death of David Jefferies in the Afternoon session on Thursday.

The flags on the TAS Suzuki truck were being flown at half mast as a mark of respect and Jefferies’ team-mate Adrian Archibald, who is currently holding the top spot in three different classes, was one of many riders that decided not to ride in the practice session.

Jefferies’ accident happened on one of the fastest parts of the course, the 160mph left-hand bend between Glen Vine and Crosby.

The 30-year-old Yorkshireman and nine times TT winner had just completed his fastest lap of the Island this year, getting a 125.2mph average speed from a standing start on his TAS Suzuki GSX-R1000.

There is no official confirmation yet but it is believed that the crash was caused by oil dumped on the track by another bike. The ACU has denied rumours that an unauthorised car on the course was involved in the accident but has refused to make any further comment until the coroner’s report is published.

Friday’s session saw less than half the number of bikes out on the roads than in previous sessions and the lap speeds were significantly lower despite the fine weather. Ryan Farquhar was the fastest rider with a 118mph lap.

Triumph ValMoto rider Jim Moodie was also injured in the incident after running into telephone wires brought down but Jefferies’ crash. Despite being very shaken he plans to get back out on the course.

The ValMoto team issued a statement offering its condolences. Jefferies was a good friend of the team having won five of his nine TT trophies on V&M/ValMoto bikes.

To leave your tribute to David Jefferies click the link on the right to go to our TT discussion board.