Sadly someone i knew (Karl 'Bomber' Harris) was killed on the isle of man yesterday.
Karl was one of the best guys to have around the paddock. not an ego driven rider but a friendly approachable chap who was bloody quick.
multiple superstock champion in britain and europe he was also a rare breed in that he was an HRC top rider at one stage through his career.
I got to meet him through yamaha working on the factory bike for the british superbike season. He was like me in a way. Could throw in an amazing quick one off lap but then have bad luck or an off.
So when he went to the TT two years ago i was a little surprised.
Racing on a track is a very different thing because you relax more. smooth surface, top medical facilities on hand and importantly run-off areas and crash protection.
You just do not have this at the TT and although it is amazing to ride and flash past pubs and houses at 200 mph one slight error and its over.
i never returned to the TT after riding a gsxr 1000 there because i knew if i went back i would be dead.
The pull of going faster and faster when your getting older is dangerous but places like Nurburgring Nordschleife and estonia seem tame compared to what the TT does to your nerves.
But as a rider i understand why people push harder when the odds are stacked against them
When Karl crashed he was on his 2nd lap in the mountain section of the is believed he made contact with another rider but this is unconfirmed.
He was only 34.
To show you how short life is. Karl's last facebook post read:
'Back on it tomorrow, tonight we sleep!'
Karl Harris 1979-2014. rest in peace.
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