A wiring fault in a road racer’s motorcycle was named as the cause of a fatal crash at last year’s Southern 100.

The coroner of inquests gave the verdict of 26-year-old James Cowton’s death on July 12 as ’accidental due to multiple injuries as a consequence of motorcycling’.

At the inquest, the popular competitor’s family heard evidence given by vehicle examiner at the Department of Infrastructure, Anthony Bode, that a multi-plug linked to his Kawasaki motorcycle’s kill switch became disconnected while racing.

This led to his engine losing power when approaching the bend at Stadium Corner during the 600cc challenge on the Billown course.

The East Yorkshire man then lost control of his vehicle and hit the stone wall on the left before being launched into the road again.

Three other competitors, who were following closely behind, were also involved in the incident.

Mr Cowton (pictured) suffered injuries to the left side of his face and fractures on his legs among other trauma.

The inquest, which took place yesterday (Wednesday) at Douglas courthouse, heard that Mr Cowton had received medical attention at the scene and was transported to an ambulance where he was later pronounced dead at 5.20pm.

Coroner Jayne Hughes thanked members of the medical team who helped at the scene and witnesses who sent in video footage as evidence.