Tragic News: Veteran racer Ian Bainbridge, 69, passes away after a collision at the Manx Grand Prix. We lost another fighter last night during practice and qualifying for the 2023 MGP. Ian Bainbridge succumbed to injuries sustained in an incident on the famous course.
We want to send Ian’s family, friends, and racing team our deepest condolences. Read ahead to learn more information on his passing and accident circumstances.
Ian Bainbridge died: What happened to him?
Following a collision on Tuesday, August 22, during the second qualifying session for the 2023 race, Manx Grand Prix rider Ian Bainbridge has passed away.
After fellow rider Gary Vines, 33, passed away on Sunday, Bainbridge is the second driver to pass away while participating in the event in three days.
Manx Grand Prix’s Statement
The organizers of the Manx Grand Prix have announced a rider has died following last night’s qualifying session.
The Manx Grand Prix Races is deeply saddened by the passing of Ian Bainbridge, who lost his life in an accident in Tuesday evening’s qualifying session. We would like to extend our profound sympathies to Ian’s wife, his two daughters, his loved ones, and his friends. A racer of over 30 years who was supported by a close network of family and friends, Ian will be sorely missed.
How did the accident happen?
Organizers have announced that rider Ian Bainbridge passed away following a collision in the Manx Grand Prix qualification. He is the second contestant to pass away while attempting to qualify for the competition.
On his first lap of the session, Bainbridge was killed in an accident at the exit of Kirk Michael Village. Around 7:30 p.m. yesterday, Bainbridge was on his first lap in the second qualifying session when it crashed. Before being canceled, the session received a red flag.
He was a regular competitor in classic racing classes, having made his debut on the Mountain Course in 2005, with his best finish coming in the 2010 Classic Senior Manx Grand Prix, when he finished 8th.
Following the incident, the 37.75-mile (60-kilometer) stretch of the course that runs between Kirk Michael’s Douglas Road Corner and Orrisdale North was closed for almost three hours.
Who was Ian Bainbridge?
Ian Bainbridge was a local hero in the world of motorcycle racing. Since his first Manx Grand Prix in 2005, Ian had participated frequently, missing only two races.
He was a pillar of the classic racing scene and had raced his Manx Norton in events such as the Pre TT Classic at the Southern 100 and the Bob McIntyre Memorial Races at East Fortune over a long period.
A committed member of the North East Motorcycle Racing Club, he was also a strong advocate for grassroots racing, helping young competitors obtain their licenses.
Ian will be dearly missed. He was a racer for almost 30 years and was supported by a strong group of family and friends.
Tributes flooded in for Bainbridge on social media
Stevie Rial said,
RIP Ian Bainbridge, long-term Mountain Course exponent, hugely respected, thoughts with his family and friends.
Michelle’s Place wrote,
So sorry to hear of both tragedies. MGP is normally the least likely to have fatalities. Please can there be no more 
One fellow racer said,
“I can’t say I ever remember talking to Ian Bainbridge, but I do know he was a staunch, long-time supporter of our races.
Charlotte Moran said,
RIP Ian, such an incredible rider 
rest easy Ian, and carry on racing on the special circuit !!, my thoughts are with your family and friends xx
Bret L Moor said,
We at Medico Topics extend our heartfelt sympathies to Ian Bainbridge’s family, friends, and everyone whose life he impacted. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this trying time of loss and reflection. Please feel free to leave a condolence in the comment area below.
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Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.