MotoGP's Scott Redding pulls out of TT appearance

"Karl and Bob are both guys that I know and their deaths have hit me harder than I expected. Honestly, I'm devastated" - Scott Redding.
Redding, Argentinian MotoGP 2014
Redding, Argentinian MotoGP 2014
© Gold and Goose

MotoGP rider Scott Redding will not be appearing at this year's Isle of Man TT, following the tragic deaths of Bob Price and Ka🗹rl Harris th✱is week.

The 21-year-old was due to take part in Friday's parade lap, but has been 'devastated' by the news of both deaths, par♍ticularly that of Price, who was a close family fri🔜end and heavily involved in the early part of Redding's career.

"I was shocked when I heard the news that Bob had been killed at the TT," explained Redding. "He was a close family frie𒁏nd and one of the few people outside of my immediate family who supported me when I started out racingꦗ. I will miss him, as will many others in our racing family."

Price was a long time supporter of the Isle of Man TT and an experienced road racer, having made his debut on the Island in 1992. The 65-year-old from Stroud, Gloucestershire, died🍰 after an accident at Ballaugh Bridge during this year'🐻s first Supersport race.

"Bob died doing something that he loved. I know we hear this all the time when tragedy strikes, but in Bob's case it was definitely true. He was no spring chicken, but a seasoned roads campaigner who knew the risks, like all th♍e riders do, but it's what he wanted to do. I respect that, as I respect everyone who takes on the challenge of the TT, but it doesn't make 🔜his passing any easier to deal with.

"Then yesterday, we heard the tragic news that Karl Harris had also lost his life. Karl and Bob are both guys that I know and their deaths have hit me harder than I expected. Honestly, I'm de🌠vastated.

"And that's why I woဣn't be at the TT on Friday, not because I have anything against the Isle of Man TT, but because I prefer to mourn Bob in the places where I knew him best, not the place where he was tak🐭en from us.

"I wish all the competitors on the Island safe raci🍎ng."

Redding had been criticised by s💟ome, and supported by others, for questioning the TT on Twitter following the death of Harris on Tuesday:

Read More