Motorcycle world pays tribute to Karl Harris
Figures from across the motorcycling world - and beyond - have paid tribute to Karl 'Bombꦆer' Harris, who tragically lost his life in Tuesday's Superstock race at 💝the Isle of Man TT.
34-year-old Harris won the inaugural 𒅌Eur💛opean Superstock 1000 championship in 1999 and went on to become a leading figure in the BSB paddock, winning three Supersport titles before taking twelve podiums in the premier Superbike class.
MCE BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs said: "This is an absolutely tragic month. I'm so sad, in particulꦕar as Karl recently returned to our Superstock championship one month ago at Oulton Park, showing great competiveness. He was a larger than life character and arguably one of the most naturally talented riders ever to grace our series. Most important he was a father and it is to his family and friends I offer our deepest condolences. This is a profound loss."
Further tributes to Harris posted on Twitter can be se꧋en below, in chronological order (newest top)...
Not best platform to extend thoughts but KH was a genuine & honest lad to work with & world class on the 600. Huge sympathies to those close-- Paul Denning (@Paul_Denning)
: RIP Karl Harris -- Aspar Team MOTOGP (@asparteam)
Really saddened to read of Karl Harris' passing today. Unbelievable rider and a top bloke. RIP fella. God speed-- Conor Cummins (@ConrodIOM) Tough few weeks. Rest in peace Karl Harris -- PBM Race Team (@PBM_Team)
Terrible hearing that Karl Harris has died. A great guy who'll be remembered as one of the most naturally gifted on a motorcycle! -- Jonathan Rea (@jonathanrea)
Lost for words on hearing the news of Karl Harris. Great guy with a big heart -- Eugene Laverty (@eugenelaverty)
Really sad to loose a mate, Karl Bomber Harris today. Chasing his passion. RIP. My thoughts are with his family.-- Steve Parrish (@Stavros6)
Another legend lost to the isle of Man TT. My thoughts are with all of Karl bomber Harris's family and friends at this difficult time.-- Jenson Button (@JensonButton) RIP Bomber, no words :-( -- Jeremy McWilliams (@McWill99)
Really sad news, RIP Bomber-- Josh waters (@Joshwaters21)
I had a big crash with a rider in 02. My fault.
He got up, laughed, put an arm around me 'dont worry mate its racing' -- Simon Crafar (@simoncrafar)
": Happier memories. RIP Karl "-- Marco Melandri (@MarcoMelandri33)
Oh no... Just heard that Karl Harris has been killed at the TT... Tragic, he was lovely.-- suzi perry (@suziperry) RIP Karl Harris , Good rider , good bloke , I remember his big smile from the BSB days , TB 21 -- Troy Bayliss (@TroyBaylisstic)
Sad to hear that Karl Harris lost his life at the IOM TT today. Thoughts are with his family and friends.-- Caterham Moto2 (@CaterhamMoto2)
Desperately sad to hear about Karl Harris -- Matthew Roberts (@matt77roberts)
R.I.P Karl bomber Harris-- Wilco Zeelenberg (@wilcozeelenberg)
Gutted and upset, Karl Harris was a top top bloke nice guy and very talented on a motorbike! RIP Mate everyone will miss you -- Sam Lowes (@SamLowes11)
My thoughts are with Karl Harris' family and friends. It was an honour to have started my career and raced with him. RIP mate!-- James Toseland (@JamesMToseland)
Yet another legend, gent and one of the most talented riders I have met. RIP Karl Harris -- Derek A Redmond (@Derek_Redmond) This TT racing is getting out of control it's not fair on family's .. I don't think I even want to go :'( R.I.P Karl bomber Harris-- Scott Redding #45 (@Reddingpower)
:-( Karl Harris, another legend gone, he was the loveable rouge, always smiling, we will miss you mate-- Glen Richards (@glenrichards75)
Terrible news that Karl Harris lost his life during today's Superstock Race. My thoughts are with his family & friends.-- Phillip McCallen (@PhillipMcCallen) This is crazy!! One of THE most naturally talented riders I ever had the pleasure of racing with and a proper nice lad -- James Ellison (@racingellison)
Really sad to hear Karl Harris passed away at TT today. One of most natural talented riders I ever raced against. Great guy too. RIP-- Cal Crutchlow (@calcrutchlow)
Our thoughts go out to the Family of Karl Harris, All the chaps here were good friends of his and someone they respected immensely.-- TeamTractionControl (@Keith_Flint_TTC)
Gutted beyond words at the news that Karl Harris has been killed.!!!-- Carl Fogarty (@carlfogarty)
Words can't describe how upset I am to hear about being killed today. He was like my brother and will never be forgotten RIP.-- leon haslam (@realleonhaslam)
RIP Karl Harris. -- Chaz Davies (@chazdavies)
More sad news from the Isle of Man today, gutted to hear that Karl Harris has lost his life. Such a talented guy on 2 wheels -- Michael Laverty (@MichaelLaverty)
So so sad to lose another friend, RIP -- Shane Shakey Byrne (@67Shakey)
Peter h𝐆as been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Mᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚarc Marquez’s injury issues.
