Misadventure verdict in Manx Grand Prix tragedy

An inquest has found that Northern Ireland road racer Trevor Ferguson died as a result of misadventure following an incident at the Manx Grand Prix in August.

Mr Ferguson was the uncle of Ulster road racing hero Ryan Farquhar, who announced his retirement from the sport following the tragedy.

The 47-year-old father-of-three sustained 'massive internal injuries' after hitting a bank in the accident, which occurred at The Nook on lap two of the Supertwin 650 race on August 29.

Mr Ferguson had been lying in second position when the incident happened in Onchan on the Isle of Man.

He was riding the KMR Kawasaki ER6 machine that Farquhar himself rode to countless victories.

Northern Ireland's Nigel Moore, also competing for Farquhar's KMR Kawasaki team, went on to win the race.

At Douglas Courthouse, a spectator who witnessed the incident said Mr Ferguson appeared in full control as he approached the corner, but then 'started to drift'.

The statement from David Park said: "He appeared to be in complete control but then started drifting with the bike.

"Everything went into slow motion for me as I watched him slide and hit the bank.

"There was a loud thump and he was thrown with the bike straight up into the air and came down hard. He wasn't moving."

A technical examination carried out by the Manx government's vehicle testing unit on the Kawasaki ER6 machine found no 'mechanical defects' and concluded that the bike was 'fully fit for racing prior to the collision'.

Two statements were also submitted by two brothers, who were marshals at the scene.

Shaun Brennan, said: "The bike low-sided and he hit the bank hard and was air born".

His brother, Anthony, added: "I called the paramedics and air ambulance immediately and yellow flagged the race.

"They were there within minutes and did everything they could to help".

Mr Ferguson was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by paramedics to revive him.

The Coroner of Inquests, John Needham, recorded a verdict of misadventure and offered his condolences to Mr Ferguson's wife Doris and family, saying: "He loved the event and he loved racing.

"His death is a tragic loss to the sport and I send my condolences to his family".

Mr Ferguson was an experienced competitor who won six Irish National road races and made his debut at the Manx Grand Prix in 2006.

He was highly influential in the career of North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix winner Farquhar, who will continue his involvement in racing next year as a team boss.