Manx Grand Prix 2023: Gary Vines has died

Manx Grand Prix rider Gary Vines has died following a crash during the first qualifying session of the 2023 event on Sunday August 20.

Vines, aged 33, was involved in an incident at Ballagarey in Glen Vine on his opening lap of the session. The session was temporarily stopped as a result and organisers have now confirmed the sad news of Vines’ passing.

“It is with a heavy heart that the organiser of the Manx Grand Prix Races can confirm that Gary Vines, 33, from Colchester, succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident during the first qualifying session of the 2023 event,” the statement said.

“Gary was a regular competitor at the Manx Grand Prix, making his debut in 2015 where he took a highly impressive victory in the Newcomers B Race. He earned another podium in the 2018 Lightweight Race, and also secured top-ten finishes at the Classic TT.

“He competed in the Supersport Races at the 2022 and 2023 TT Races, posting his fastest ever lap of the TT Mountain Course this year at an average speed of 118.488mph.

“Everyone involved in the organisation of the Manx Grand Prix would like to express their deepest sympathies to Gary’s family, his partner, his loved ones, and friends.”

On his Manx Grand Prix debut in 2015, Vines raced his own, immaculately prepared Yamaha TZ250 and secured victory against a grid of Supertwin bikes. His podiums at the Classic TT came in the 250cc class.

Away from the Isle of Man, Vines was a popular figure within the two-stroke and classic racing community, often seen in the GP Originals Championship paddock and Goodwood Members’ Meetings. Also keen on off-road racing, Vines competed in the Red Bull Romaniacs hard enduro rallye.

Our thoughts are with Gary’s family, friends and team at this difficult time.