Karl Harris killed in Superstock TT crash

Three time British Supersport champion Karl Harris has lost his life following a crash on lap two of the Superstock TT today. The 34 year old riding the Moto Breakers Kawasaki ZX-10R is believed to have made contact with another rider on the mountain section of the course.

The Sheffield rider had enjoyed a long and successful racing career having exploded onto the scene way back in 1999 when he won the European Superstock Championship onboard a Suzuki GSXR750. His victory propelled him into the spotlight and after a year in BSB he then switched to British Supersport where he won the championship onboard a GSXR600. He went on to win the Supersport title two more times riding for the HMPlant Honda team.

Harris also spent a large part of his career competing in BSB and despite coming incredibly close on numerous occasions he never actually won a race. His best season came in 2006 when he finished fifth in the overall standings behind Ryuichi Kiyonari, Leon Haslam, Gregorio Lavilla and Jonathan Rea. Shane Byrne was one place behind Harris in sixth.

In more recent years Harris continued to make selected appearances within  the British Championship and in 2012 he made his TT debut onboard the SMT Honda posting a lap time in excess of 121mph.

Gary Thompson, TT Clerk of the Course, said: “Karl was one of the great characters in the race paddock. His infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour lit up many race meetings. He was a hugely talented racer and will be sorely missed.”

MCN would like to express their sincere condolences to Karl’s family and friends.