NZ biker killed in Isle of Man race

Another New Zealand motorcyclist has been killed in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) event after Paul Dobbs died during a Supersport race overnight (NZ time).

Dobbs, from Onewhero in Waikato's Franklin district, leaves behind a wife and two children.

The Auto Cycle Union (ACU) said Dobbs, 39, was involved in a racing incident on the Ballagarey section of the 61km track.

ACU chairman Jim Parker said on the TT website that Dobbs was a popular rider and a great competitor.

"He was a very talented rider who made many friends in the racing community. He will be sorely missed."

Dobbs finished 22nd in Monday's first Supersport race, and competed at the TT for the first time in 1999. His best finish was sixth in the 400cc lightweight race in 2000.

New Zealand rider Robert Holden died aged 38 in 1996 in a practice session at the Isle of Man, after winning the singles title the previous year.

Another New Zealander, three-times TT winner Shaun Harris was critically injured in the 2007 race, but recovered although he has since retired from racing.

More than 200 racers have died on the road course on the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea, since the first TT race was first staged over a century ago.

- NZPA