Chris Swallow: Kiwi racer dies after Classic TT crash
New Zealand motorcycle racer Chris Swallow has died following a crash during the Classic TT race on the Isle of Man (Manx GP)
The 37-year-old from Wellington, New Zealand, who’s been competing at the Manx Grand Prix since 2007, crashed at the Ballaugh Bridge section of the course on Saturday.
Swallow’s vast experience at the “world's most dangerous race” earned him two second-place finishes in the 2012 Classic Manx GP and a fourth-place result in the 2018 Senior Classic TT race.
According to BBC reports, Swallow lost control of his motorcycle at the notorious Ballaugh Bridge section of the course during Saturday's race. It's reported that the Ballaugh Bridge section of the course has claimed seven racers lives in the past.
Details of Swallow’s death weren't revealed to the press (as is often the case with most TT fatalities), with the race organizers instead opting to share their condolences to Swallow's family.
"The Manx Motor Cycle Club wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Chris's family including his father Bill and his wife Jen and children," the club said.
Although not confirmed, the Daily Star reports that Swallow's father, also an experienced and accomplished Manx Grand Prix and road racer, was competing in the same race when Swallow crashed.
About the Manx Grand Prix
The Manx Grand Prix motorcycle races have been held on the Isle of Man TT Course once a year for two-weeks, since 1907.
The Manx GP is classified as the ‘amateur’ rider's alternative and a learning experience for the Isle of Man TT races held in late May/ early June each year. The reason for its amateur status is down to professional racers not being able to compete in almost all the categories - apart from the ‘Classic TT’ added in 2013.
Each race consists of four laps of the 37.72-mile circuit, which begins at the famous TT Grandstand in Douglas.
The separate classes are:
The Newcomers Class
Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight Class
Junior Class
Senior Class
The Junior/Lightweight
Senior Classic (Classic TT)
Since the competition began there has been a reported 260 fatalities.
Picture source: https://authgram.com/p/B1kbl3IglTP
