Former Isle of Man TT Racer Dies

Des Evans competed at the Isle of Man TT event between 1967 and 1969, while also making his competitive road racing debut in 1959 at the Southern 100 race.

The former racer, then turned marshal, has sadly lost his life after a battle with illness at the age of 88. Evans died on 12 December.

Evans first got a taste of the Isle of Man TT course in 1964 when he made his first appearance at the Manx GP. From there, Evans would go on to compete at the Isle of Man TT event as a solo competitor in the Lightweight TT class before switching to Sidecar racing.

Following his final racing act at the TT in 1969, Evans switched to a scrutineering role in 1970 before becoming a travelling marshal. Evans held the role of marshal until 2002 when he was the chief travelling marshal for the final three years of his career.

Once retired, Evans went back to his roots at the Southern 100 as he acted as a club steward at the Billown circuit. He did so until 2022. Evans was also the riders’ liaison and welfare officer between 1984 and 2000.

Other highly esteemed positions Evans held during his career included being a committee member for the Manx Motor Cycle Club and a Manx Grand Prix official, which led to holding the role of vice-president later on in his life. He also remained part of the TT scene beyond his time as a travelling marshal, this time acting as the pitlane stop-box official and parade lap co-ordinator.

Evans was known to have been ill for the past year before succumbing to illness last month. Evans will be cremated in a private ceremony, but a public celebration of life is set to be held this month.

Everyone at Visordown sends their best wishes to Evans’ family and friends.