Isle of Man TT sidecar racers killed in practice lap

Bill Currie first competed in the TT races in 1969

Two sidecar competitors have been killed during practice on the mountain course of the Isle of Man TT.

The Auto Cycle Union (ACU) said Bill Currie, 67, from Ellesmere Port, and his passenger Kevin Morgan, 59, from Shrewsbury, died during a qualifying session on Tuesday.

The accident happened at Ballacrye in the north of the island.

ACU managing director Jim Parker said he was deeply saddened by the competitors' untimely death.

"They were a huge part of the sidecar paddock and will be sorely missed by everyone involved in the event," Mr Parker said.

The sidecar practice session was red-flagged only 15 minutes after the lead teams left the Grandstand and the road remained closed until 0230 BST.

The men were killed during the second sidecar practice on Tuesday evening

Mr Currie, who leaves behind two children, was an experienced racer who first competed in the TT races in 1969 when he recorded a third place finish.

Mr Morgan, also an experienced racer, made his TT debut in 1984.

It was the first time the pair had competed together in the sidecar category.

The coroner of inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is under way.

The ACU has offered its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of both competitors.