A Japanese motorcycle racer was killed this week during a qualifying race in the U.K.

According to a statement from Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) organizers, 43-year-old Yoshinari Matsushita died Monday during a qualifying race for this year’s Isle of Man TT Races. The accident occurred at the Ballacrye section of the TT Circuit in the northern part of the Isle of Man, which is located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland.

“Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock,” said Gary Thoompson, Clerk of the Course for the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU). “He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed.”

The ACU stated that Matsushita regularly competed in Superstock and Superbike classes. He first competed in the TT Races in 2009, and placed 5th in the 2011 TT Zero for electric bikes. Matsushita was a member of the Tycho Suzuki (TAS) racing team

“Everyone within our team is devastated about tonight’s terrible events,” said Phillip Neill, TAS team manager. “We were very much looking forward to working with Yoshinari during TT2013 and pass on our deepest condolences to his family and fellow team members.”

(Image courtesy Isle of Man TT)