Scott Redding pulls out of TT appearance
MotoGP rider Scott Redding will not be appearing at this year's Isle of Man TT, following the tragic deaths of Bob Price and Karl Harris this week.
The 21-year-old was due to take part in Friday's parade lap, but has been 'devastated' by the news of both deaths, particularly that of Price, who was a close family friend and heavily involved in the early part of Redding's career.
"I was shocked when I heard the news that Bob had been killed at the TT," explained Redding. "He was a close family friend and one of the few people outside of my immediate family who supported me when I started out racing. I will miss him, as will many others in our racing family."
Price was a long time supporter of the Isle of Man TT and an experienced road racer, having made his debut on the Island in 1992. The 65-year-old from Stroud, Gloucestershire, died after an accident at Ballaugh Bridge during this year's first Supersport race.
"Bob died doing something that he loved. I know we hear this all the time when tragedy strikes, but in Bob's case it was definitely true. He was no spring chicken, but a seasoned roads campaigner who knew the risks, like all the riders do, but it's what he wanted to do. I respect that, as I respect everyone who takes on the challenge of the TT, but it doesn't make his passing any easier to deal with.
"Then yesterday, we heard the tragic news that Karl Harris had also lost his life. Karl and Bob are both guys that I know and their deaths have hit me harder than I expected. Honestly, I'm devastated.
"And that's why I won't be at the TT on Friday, not because I have anything against the Isle of Man TT, but because I prefer to mourn Bob in the places where I knew him best, not the place where he was taken from us.
"I wish all the competitors on the Island safe racing."
Redding had been criticised by some, and supported by others, for questioning the TT on Twitter following the death of Harris on Tuesday:
This TT racing is getting out of control it's not fair on family's .. I don't think I even want to go :'( R.I.P Karl bomber Harris-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014The bikes are far to advanced for road racing nowadays ... Would you drive your car at 132mph though a village?? Next tweet-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014Now take 2 wheels off and the shell/cage off . I think you get where I'm coming from. This is not racing anymore. Next tweet-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014Now take 2 wheels off and the shell/cage off . I think you get where I'm coming from. This is not racing anymore. Next tweet-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014It's like death race , all the riders that finish are relieved too finish in one piece and see there loved ones . Iost to many friends-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014I know no body forces them but you can't tell that in all your heart you don't feel bad when something like this happens. It just hurts me-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014Don't take me the wrong way , and when anyone asks me about TT " I take my hat off I have massive respect" every time-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014Okay last note about it . This is all my opinion.. I'm happy some disagree but you cannot compare track to road. Imagine-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014The TT was every other weekend ? And now compare the numbers. Hope you all have a good evening ,sorry if I offended some people apologies-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 3, 2014@iom_tt hope Scott Redding is told to bugger off Friday when he comes to TT after slating it tonight. #notwelcome-- David Knight (@Knighter101) June 3, 2014@JoshBrookes @BikerBirdRach that he is me , and I don't think I will be attending josh , good luck anyway-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 4, 2014
As much as @iom_tt racers & fans have the freedom to race & support, @Reddingpower has the freedom to express his frustrations & feelings...-- Paul Denning (@Paul_Denning) June 4, 2014. @Reddingpower has joined a long list of us that learned the hard way that youre allowed an opininon on any other circuit, but not that one-- Simon Crafar (@simoncrafar) June 4, 2014As you can see I won't be attending the TT .wish every one luck and stay safe .-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower) June 4, 2014
