The family of motorcyclist Mark Purslow are ‘heartbroken’ following his tragic death in Wednesday night’s Isle of Man TT qualifying session.
The Welshman lost his life at the age of just 29 after a crash in the Ballagarey area of the circuit, located just before the fourth mile of the famous 37.75mile Mountain Course. His family took to social media and expressed their sorrow while paying tribute to their dear relative.
Writing on Purslow's social media pages they said: “Mark was loved by everyone, not one person had a bad word to say about him and that's because he was an amazing person inside and out, always cracking a joke and making light of every situation with a big smile on his face, always there for other people. He loved to ride, and he knew the risks but he loved racing since such a young age. He followed his dad, Colin, and his talent was immense, he learnt from the best.
“He was getting to his peak having the best year ever with the Never Be Clever Racing team. We are beyond heartbroken, in shock and utterly devastated. We are such a close family and this loss is so hard to bear. For now, we are going to try and get some solace in the fact he always told us if he was going to go this would be the way he would want to, and that he would be smiling. He will be telling us all to stop crying, have a laugh and a drink for him, and celebrate his achievements.”
After making his debut in 2017, Purslow was contesting his second Isle of Man TT and had previously participated in Manx and Classic TTs. The former race winner of Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough was in good form, having registered his fastest ever lap of the course less than half an hour before his crash.
He had been due to race in the Supersport and Supertwin class but following the shocking incident on Wednesday, the action was abandoned before resuming yesterday. The TT Isle of Man also released a statement following Purslow's death which rocked the British motorsport world.
“The Isle of Man TT Races are deeply saddened by the passing of Mark Purslow following an incident in this evening’s qualifying session for the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races," they said. "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family, loved ones, and friends.
“2022 was Mark’s second appearance at the Isle of Man TT Races, having previously contested the Supersport and Lightweight races in 2017. He had graduated from the Manx Grand Prix where he had won the 2015 Lightweight Race on his debut, and he had also competed at the Classic TT securing a best finish of 14th in the 2019 Junior Classic TT.
“Mark grew up around racing and was inspired by his father’s love of the sport. He typified the spirit of the privateer TT racer, preparing his own machinery with the support of friends and family.
“Road racing was his passion – competing in Northern Ireland and Europe in the International Road Racing Championship – but becoming a TT racer was a life’s ambition that represented the ultimate personal challenge. The TT Races will continue – but always with Mark in mind.”
