Dunlop killed in crash

Robert Dunlop

Robert Dunlop, a former winner of the Isle of Man TT, has died after being involved in a crash during practice race at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland.

Dunlop suffered serious chest injuries when his bike appeared to seize as he approached the Mathers Cross section of the course near Portrush in County Antrim. He went over the handlebars and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died a short time later.

Another Northern Ireland rider Darren Burns, who was travelling behind Dunlop when the accident occurred, was unable to avoid hitting his fellow competitor and suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion.

"Coleraine & District Motor Club members and myself as clerk of course are devastated by the news that Robert Dunlop has died following a fatal incident during the second practice night of this year's North West 200," said Mervyn Whyte, clerk of the course at the North West 200.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert's family and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Louise, children William, Daniel and Michael and wider family circle.

"The MCUI (UC) – Motor Cycling Union of Ireland and PSNI are in the process of fully investigating the incident which happened during the 125, 250, 400 practice session on the first lap.

"The other rider involved in the incident is in a stable condition in hospital.

"Robert was one of Northern Ireland's best known and most experienced riders who will always been remembered for his infectious personality and love for road racing."

Dunlop was seriously injured at the Isle of Man TT in 1994, but he recovered and returned to the sport in 1996 at the Cookstown 100 and in February 2005 became the first person to be elected to the Irish Racer Magazine Hall of Fame.

His brother, the legendary Joey, was killed in a similar accident in Estonia in 2000.