A competitor at the Isle of Man TT has been disqualified from this year's event following a positive drugs test.
The event organisers have announced that sidecar passenger Jake Lowther tested positive for a banned substance in a random drugs test carried out as part of the TT's drug and alcohol screening protocols.
A statement from the TT organisers ACU Events read: “ACU Events Ltd, race organiser of the Isle of Man TT Races, can confirm that Jake Lowther, passenger in sidecar outfit number 7, has been excluded from the 2023 event following a positive drugs test,” the statement began.
Read more: Hickman ups the pace on second night of qualifying at Isle of Man TT
“Lowther, who has competed in 10 previous Sidecar TT Races, tested positive for a banned substance in a random drugs test carried out as part of the event’s drug and alcohol screening protocols.
“The matter has now been passed on to the Auto Cycle Union (ACU), governing body for motorcycle sport in the UK, to carry out their formal judicial process.
“The Isle of Man TT Races and the ACU share a strict zero-tolerance policy for the presence of drugs and alcohol for officials and competitors during an event period.
“As per their anti-doping policy, the ACU may impose a suspension on competition for individuals found to be contravening these rules.”
Ahead of Tuesday’s second day of qualifying practice, teammate and driver Alan Founds posted on his Facebook page: “Just to keep you informed that Jake has withdrawn from this year’s TT; we are hopeful to be back out tomorrow night.”
Founds is yet to announce what his next steps will be for continuing in the remainder of TT 2023.
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