Donald and Porter out of TT

Two of the TT’s top stars Cameron Donald and Raymond Porter are out of the TT for very different reasons.

Aussie Cameron Donald, who was hotly tipped for success at the Centenary TT, will miss the event after crashing at this weekend’s North West 200

The Australian suffered a broken collar bone after a heavy fall in the main Superbike race at the North West 200 on Saturday, the crash curtailing the event.

The TT podium-finisher and third fastest man around the 37.73mile Mountain course will not compete at the Centenary TT.

A simple statement on his own website read: “Cameron is currently recovering from surgery at the Altnagelvin Hospital in Northern Ireland after a crash at the North West 200.

“Cameron received surgery on Sunday to mend a compounded fracture in his collar bone. All went well and he will be out of hospital in two-three days. It is with great regret to announce that Cam will not be racing at this years TT.

Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Development Manager for the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure added: “It is with regret to have to confirm that Cameron Donald will miss this year’s Isle of Man TT. He will not be replaced in the Uel Duncan Racing Team for the event.”

Porter has announced his withdrawal from road racing at the North West 200.

The McAdoo Kawasaki rider was struggling in the early stages of the season to find form and after being bumped and barged in the opening laps of the Superbike race at the North West he decided he couldn’t continue due to the extremely dangerous nature of the sport.

A team spokesman said: “Knowing what Raymond has been through in recent months we fully respect his decision and wish him every success in his future life away from the sport.

“Road racing is much too dangerous to ask a rider to go out and compete at any level, let alone win international road races, when he isn’t fully focused and committed.”

The team will now make a decision in the next few days with regards to their own plans for the remainder of the season and beyond.