It is with great sadness that I have to report that Paul Dobbs died today during the supersport 600 race at Ballagarey on the Isle of Man.
Paul has supported the AMCC for many years winning the Formula Auckland and Pro Twins titles this year and more recently been an instructor for our ART rider training days. His natural ability to get on with everyone and share his enthusiasm for the sport will be so sadly missed.
Paul could be seen in the paddocks of circuits around New Zealand offering an ever friendly smile and free advice to whoever approached him; in fact his pits were easily spotted by the number of well wishers and supporters this remarkable man had.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to his lovely wife Bridget and their two children.
Below the sad news from the IOM web site;
NEW Zealand rider Paul Dobbs was killed during today’s Supersport Race 2 after a high speed crash at Ballagarey.
Dobbs, 39, first competed in the TT in 1999 and his best finish was 6th in the 2000 Lightweight Race.
He was riding a 600cc Suzuki in today’s race, having finished 22nd in the first Supersport Race on Monday with a race speed of 117mph.
A statement from the Auto-Cycle Union paid tribute to “a talented rider” and passed on their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the rider.
Paul Dobbs was married with two children."
Signed by Graham Bastow as ART Co-Ordinator