Tragic Swiss rider Mauro Poncini killed in Manx Grand Prix crash was 'like part of the family' in Northern Ireland's Scott Racing team
The mother of Northern Ireland race team owner Trevor Scott has posted a poignant tribute in memory of Swiss rider Mauro Poncini, who was killed in an incident during qualifying at the Manx Grand Prix.
The 29-year-old was due to ride an Aprilia Sportbike and his own Yamaha R6 for the Coleraine-based Scott Racing team in his maiden year at the event.
Tragically, Poncini – a regular in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) and a top-ten finisher at the North West 200 – was involved in a red flag crash at Cruickshanks in Ramsey. A second rider escaped unhurt.
Paying tribute, Maureen Scott said her heart “goes out to your family and friends at this saddest of time”.
She said the European rider had lost his life “doing what you loved best”.
“What can I say about you Mauro Poncini,” she wrote.
“I met you when you came to north west 200 to ride for my son Trevor and his Scott Racing Motorcycles team on the Supertwin.
“You and your father made a lasting impression on us all. What a great rider you were too. Safe but fast.
“Thank you for all the texts and all the links to any races you were competing in. I will miss them.
“Then you decided to come over to race the Manx. What a pleasure it was to have you in the team and like part of the family.
“On Sunday you went out for the speed controlled lap, your first lap of the course, and then your first untimed laps, and came back with a big grin on your face! I asked was it the bike or course? You said both!
“Nothing happened on the Monday because of the weather. Tuesday was the newcomers presentation in the afternoon, with an amazing group photo by the podium.
“It was so special to see you share the excitement with the other riders.”
Recalling the fateful evening on Tuesday when Poncini set off on what would be his last ever lap, she said the popular Swiss rider was “very special” before signing off her tribute with the words, “much love Granny Mo”.
“On Tuesday evening you went out on your own supersport bike, the bike that has brought you so much enjoyment and great results all year.
“Sadly, at the age of only 29, you lost your life doing what you loved best. My heart goes out to your family and friends at this saddest of time.
“I will never ever forget you Mauro Poncini You were very very special.”
A further fatal accident occurred on Wednesday, when Sam Naughton from Castletown on the Isle of Man died after crashing at Doran’s Bend.
Italian rider Salvatore Sallustro is being treated at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool after a serious crash on Sunday at Greeba Bridge.