Yoshinari Matsushita, age 43, of Saitama, Japan, was killed today during a qualifying session for the Isle of Man TT, according to a statement issued by Auto Club Union (ACU), the sanctioning body of the event. Matsushita died in an incident at the Ballacrye section of the course, according to the statement. Matsushita first raced at the Isle of Man in 2009, and he finished fifth in the TT Zero race in 2011. He was slated to race a Team Penz13.com BMW S1000RR in the Superstock, Superbike and Senior TT races and a Tyco Suzuki GSX-R600 in the Supersport races. It was not reported what Matsushita was riding at the time of his accident. The accident is under investigation, according to the statement from ACU. More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service: DEVASTATING NEWS FOR ALL AT TAS RACING Team Suzuki Press Office – May 28. TAS Racing regrets to announce the untimely death of Japanese rider Yoshinari Matsushita following an incident at the Ballacrye section of the TT Circuit yesterday evening during un-timed practice at the Isle of Man TT. Having made his TT debut back in 2009, Yoshinari was an experienced competitor on the Isle of Man and was scheduled to make a one-off appearance for the Northern Ireland-based team in this year’s TT Supersport races. Team Manager Philip Neill said: “Everyone within our team is devastated about tonight’s terrible events. 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.” Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan wishes to pass on its condolences to Yoshinari’s family and friends. A statement issued by the Auto Cycle Union reads: ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that Japanese rider Yoshinari Matsushita, 43, was killed during the qualifying session at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races in an incident at Ballacrye in the North of the Island. The session was immediately red flagged following the accident. Yoshinari, from Saitama in Japan was an experienced racer who first competed at the TT Races in 2009. As well as competing regularly in the Superstock and Superbike classes he also finished fifth in the 2011 TT Zero for electric bikes. He was also 2008 Motegi Endurance race winner. The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Yoshinari’s family and friends. Gary Thompson, MBE, Clerk of the Course, ACU, commented: “Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock. He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed.” The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.