Tyco Suzuki rider Yoshinari Matsushita killed during Monday night practice

Monday night’s practice session at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races was marred by an accident that sadly claimed the life of Yoshinari Matsushita.

The Japanese rider, who had joined the Tyco Suzuki team for the two Supersport races on the Island, was killed after crashing at high speed at Ballacrye during his second lap.
 
Matsushita, from Saitama in Japan, was 43 years old and an experienced racer who first competed at the TT in 2009 riding for Ian Lougher’s Blackhorse Yamaha team.

His best result that year was 43rd in the opening Superbike although he later crashed on the Mountain during the Superstock race, sustaining ankle injuries.
 
After a year away from the TT, he returned in 2011 riding for fellow racer Rico Penzkofer’s BMW team and took 39th in the Senior and 41st in the Superstock whilst also finishing fifth in the TT Zero race for electric bikes.

Continuing with the same team for 2012, Matsushita posted his best finish and lap in the Superbike where he finished 36th and lapped at 116.587mph. He also took 42nd in the Superstock event.
 
With races including various World Championship Endurance events under his belt, Matsushita was again going to be BMW powered for the 1000cc events in 2013 whilst the deal with Tyco Suzuki was only announced a few hours before the tragic accident.
 
Gary Thompson, MBE, Clerk of the Course, commented; “Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT races paddock.

“He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sadly missed.”