The 32 year old French motorcycle rider became the latest victim of the Isle of Man TT this evening STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE ACU ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that French rider Franck Petricola, 32, from Pont a Mousson was killed following an accident at Sulby Crossroads at approximately 7.45pm during this evening’s qualifying session at the Isle of Man TT races. Petricola was a regular competitor in the IRRC Championship and enjoyed his best season in 2013 with 11th overall in the Superbike category. His best result, sixth, came at Chimay and he ended the year strongly with six successive top ten finishes and took a brace of thirds in the Lightweight Races at Horice and Terlicko. He was due to make his TT debut in 2014 but was injured in the North West 200 meeting earlier in the month and was forced to withdraw from last year’s event. He returned to full fitness and raced at Scarborough and the North West 200 where he finished 25th in the Superstock race and 21st in the Superbike Race. The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Franck’s family and friends. The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway. I almost went this year as well :-( Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I watched the TT programme last night. They did a look at the top riders that have averaged over 130mph over the full track distance - mental. RIP Franck
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/s...cola-is-back-for-north-west-200-31146640.html Seems he had a pretty horrific accident last year in the Northwest 200
I got home & was listening to practice on Manx radio.....it said there were problems & sidecar practice was delayed so I switched it off, only to hear this later. The race is dangerous & the racers mental but they know the risks, it's part of the thrill. Having ridden the course all I can say is they are so much more insane than me to do it......but I wish I had that courage.......over 200mph at times & an average of nearly 130mph
Anyone wanting a real insight into the TT should watch this, it's not short at 1hr 40mins but, if you're a motorcycle/sport nut, it's compulsive watching.
This will be his last year racing at the TT so he has only a few chances now & Michael Dunlop has just dumped Milwaukee Yamaha & gone to Buildbase BMW so will be on the same kit as Guy
Just heard from Dad, he says he can't see Guy winning anything this year from what he's seen so far, still made me order him tickets for Olivers Mount in a couple of weeks as Guy will be there racing
For anyone interested it sounds like Guy Martin's chances today have been dashed by problems with the bike not starting in the pits after lap 2 losing around 25 seconds after being in a close 3rd
