Gary Vines : Statement Issued from the Manx Grand Prix – 21/08/2023
Rest in Peace Gary Vines.
It is with a heavy heart that the Manx Grand Prix can confirm the loss of Gary Vines, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident in the first qualifying session of the 2023 event.
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.
Gary had competed at the Manx Grand Prix since 2015 as well as the TT Races since 2022. He was a specialist on two-stroke 250cc machinery, making his debut in the 2015 Newcomers B Race on his own, immaculately prepared Yamaha TZ250. Against a field of Supertwin bikes, he took a commanding and popular victory.
Gary stood on the podium again in the 2018 Lightweight MGP, and earned a number of top-ten finishes in the 250cc class at the Classic TT.
Away from the Isle of Man he was a well-known and respected figure of the two-stroke and classic racing scene, and was a familiar face at the GP Originals championship and at the Goodwood Members’ Meetings. Gary was also a skilled off-road rider, and had contested the notorious Red Bull Romaniacs hard enduro rallye.
Gary was a well-loved and respected member of the paddock and his peers will fondly remember a skilled and stylish racer with an impressive racing CV. The loss of Gary will be felt deeply by all.
A full statement can be found here.
STATEMENT ISSUED AT 12:45, 21 AUGUST 2023
21ST AUGUST 2023
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE MANX GRAND PRIX RACES
It is with a heavy heart that the organisers 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 accident occurred at Ballagarey on his first lap of the session.
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.
ENDS
