A dad and son who died together at the Isle of Man TT had achieved their “dream” after finishing eighth in their first race.
Roger and Bradley Stockton died after their sidecar crashed at 100mph at the infamous Ago’s Leap.
Roger, 46, was competing in his 20th Tourist Trophy race while 21-year-old Bradley was taking part for the first time. In a tribute yesterday their family said they were “shocked to the core”.
Roger’s niece Rachel wrote: “Roger and Brad loved racing – it was their dream to race the TT t ogether.
“They achieved eighth in the first race together and what a proud moment that was.” Telling of the family’s heartbreak, she added: “Not only to lose one member of the family but two in the same incident has shocked us to the core.
“Thank you for everyone’s condolences. Ride in peace Uncle Roger and Bradley. Will be forever missed.”
The pair came eighth in Monday’s sidecar race after hitting a best-lap average of 106mph. Roger, of Crewe, Cheshire, said earlier this year: “I’ve retired a few times but always come back for my love of the sport. Going around the course with my own flesh and blood will be incredible.”
He and Bradley were on the final lap of their second race when they crashed on Friday, bringing the number of deaths on the course this year to five – the worst since 2014.
Welsh rider Mark Purslow, 29, was killed in qualifying last week, while Northern Ireland’s Davy Morgan, 52, died after an accident in the Supersport race on Monday. Cesar Chanal, from Lyon, France, died in a sidecar race last Saturday.
Cooper Buckley, where Roger had been a truck driver for more than 20 years, said his loss would “leave a huge hole” at the firm.
Sending condolences to Roger’s partner, Mel, they told how he and Brad had died “participating in a sport they both loved”.
ABP Motorsport, where Bradley worked, said: “Brad was just 21 and was taking part in a sport he loved.
“He was funny, brave, annoying, loved, brilliant, handsome and had his whole life ahead of him. He left us pursuing a dream, a passion that brought both glory and danger.”
