Motorcycle world pays tribute to Karl Harris
"Karl was a larger than life character and arguably one of the most naturally talented riders ever to grace our series" - Stuart Higgs.
Harris, Thruxton BSB 2006
© Gold and Goose
Figures from across the motorcycling world - and beyond - have paid tribute to Karl 'Bomber' Harris, who tragically lost his life in Tuesday's Superstock race at the Isle of Man TT.
34-year-old Harris won the inaugural European 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 particular 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 seen 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) June 4, 2014
@sbk_official: RIP Karl Harris http://t.co/XSBlHHe4gB #SBK pic.twitter.com/0YyO1gZyjA-- Aspar Team MOTOGP (@asparteam) June 4, 2014
What sad news hearing Karl Harris has passed away. A real character talent and all round genuine guy. Memories of him will last forever.-- John Laverty (@JLAV) June 4, 2014Really saddened to read of Karl Harris' passing today. Unbelievable rider and a top bloke. RIP fella. God speed-- Conor Cummins (@ConrodIOM) June 3, 2014Tough few weeks. Rest in peace Karl #Bomber Harris pic.twitter.com/7URoBen3Ur-- PBM Race Team (@PBM_Team) June 4, 2014
Terrible hearing that Karl Harris has died. A great guy who'll be remembered as one of the most naturally gifted on a motorcycle! #RIPBomber-- Jonathan Rea (@jonathanrea) June 4, 2014
Lost for words on hearing the news of Karl Harris. Great guy with a big heart #RIPBomber-- Eugene Laverty (@eugenelaverty) June 3, 2014
Really sad to loose a mate, Karl Bomber Harris today. Chasing his passion. RIP. My thoughts are with his family.-- Steve Parrish (@Stavros6) June 3, 2014
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) June 3, 2014RIP Bomber, no words :-( #karlharris-- Jeremy McWilliams (@McWill99) June 3, 2014
Really sad news, RIP Bomber-- Josh waters (@Joshwaters21) June 3, 2014
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' #RIPKarlHarris-- Simon Crafar (@simoncrafar) June 3, 2014
"@shilsd: Happier memories. RIP Karl pic.twitter.com/p1j434RC14"-- Marco Melandri (@MarcoMelandri33) June 3, 2014
Oh no... Just heard that Karl Harris has been killed at the TT... Tragic, he was lovely.-- suzi perry (@suziperry) June 3, 2014RIP Karl Harris , Good rider , good bloke , I remember his big smile from the BSB days , TB 21 http://t.co/LaNPfLLC59-- Troy Bayliss (@TroyBaylisstic) June 3, 2014
Sad to hear that Karl Harris lost his life at the IOM TT today. Thoughts are with his family and friends.-- Caterham Moto2 (@CaterhamMoto2) June 3, 2014
Desperately sad to hear about Karl Harris #RIPBomber-- Matthew Roberts (@matt77roberts) June 3, 2014
R.I.P Karl bomber Harris-- Wilco Zeelenberg (@wilcozeelenberg) June 3, 2014
Gutted and upset, Karl Harris was a top top bloke nice guy and very talented on a motorbike! RIP Mate everyone will miss you #bomber-- Sam Lowes (@SamLowes11) June 3, 2014
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) June 3, 2014
Yet another legend, gent and one of the most talented riders I have met. RIP Karl Harris pic.twitter.com/jd9Ma0OYX6-- Derek A Redmond (@Derek_Redmond) June 3, 2014This 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) June 3, 2014
:-( Karl Harris, another legend gone, he was the loveable rouge, always smiling, we will miss you mate-- Glen Richards (@glenrichards75) June 3, 2014
Terrible news that Karl Harris lost his life during today's Superstock Race. My thoughts are with his family & friends.-- Phillip McCallen (@PhillipMcCallen) June 3, 2014This is crazy!! One of THE most naturally talented riders I ever had the pleasure of racing with and a proper nice lad #RIP @KBomberHarris -- James Ellison (@racingellison) June 3, 2014
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) June 3, 2014
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) June 3, 2014
Gutted beyond words at the news that Karl Harris has been killed.!!!-- Carl Fogarty (@carlfogarty) June 3, 2014
Words can't describe how upset I am to hear about @KBomberHarris being killed today. He was like my brother and will never be forgotten RIP.-- leon haslam (@realleonhaslam) June 3, 2014
RIP Karl Harris. -- Chaz Davies (@chazdavies) June 3, 2014
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 #RIP-- Michael Laverty (@MichaelLaverty) June 3, 2014
So so sad to lose another friend, RIP @KBomberHarris-- Shane Shakey Byrne (@67Shakey) June 3, 2014
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