Race On Despite Dunlop Tragedy

Even though a second tragedy has shattered a famous Ulster road-racing family, the North West 200 road race - in which Robert Dunlop died last night - is to continue.

The fatal accident came after his equally famous brother Joey was killed in a racing accident, in Estonia, in 2000.

But now it has been announced that Northern Ireland's top road racing event is set to go ahead - despite the death of Robert Dunlop.

The organisers of the event said they would proceed with Saturday's races in tribute to the Ballymoney man. A minute's silence will be held before the first race.

Robert's death came after an apparent mechanical failure threw the rider off and into the path of another competitor during practices on Thursday night during a practice session at the North West 200.

The accident happened during the 250cc qualifying session and it is believed the 47-year-old was travelling at 160mph as he approached the Mathers Cross Section of the course.

Witnesses say the current 125cc Irish champion, who was racing in the 250cc class for the first time since his crash in the Isle of Man in 1994, was thrown over the handlebars after it appeared his bike seized.

He was rushed to the Causeway Hospital near Coleraine with severe chest injuries, but died shortly after 10pm.

Another Northern Irish rider, Darren Burns, was also injured in last night's crash.

He suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the accident, but was said to be in a stable condition last night.

Burns was travelling behind Dunlop and was unable to avoid hitting the Ballymoney rider.

Another rider from Northern Ireland, Denver Robb, was behind both motorcyclists when the accident happened.

"Coming up to Mathers, Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream," he told the BBC.

"Then Robert - it was one of the Dunlops - came past me and as soon as he did he just shot off into Mathers and the bike seized.

"There was a puff of smoke and the bike locked up, she went sideways, and I think Robert must have grabbed the front brake.

"He went out over the top of the bike and landed on the road. Then Burnsie had nowhere to go and he clipped him and went straight on."

Mervyn Whyte, clerk of course, said he was devastated. Robert was one of Northern Ireland's best-known and most experienced riders.

He said. "The Motorcycling Union of Ireland and the PSNI are in the process of investigating the incident, which happened during the 125, 250, 400 practice session on the first lap."

First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness offered their condolences.

"This is a tragedy that will be felt deeply by the people of Northern Ireland. Robert was one of our greatest sportsmen and will be sadly missed," Mr Paisley said.

Mr McGuinness added: "Robert, like his brother Joey before him, was a tremendous ambassador for his sport. I also offer my sincerest sympathies to his family."

Dr Paisley's son, Ian Paisley Junior is a close family friend and was with the rider's widow and children last night.

He said that the continuation of the race was a decision that had been best left to the professionals involved and urged that everyone concerned respect their decision.

Eight years ago, Robert's legendary brother Joey died, aged 48, during a meet in Tallinn, Estonia. His tragic death sent shockwaves throughout the road-racing world.

The world champion, who won the Ulster Grand Prix 24 times and the Formula One title five times, was considered a motorcycling genius, a sporting champion — and one of the greatest road racers of all time.

Besides being crowned world champion five times, Joey's achievements include three hat-tricks at the Isle of Man TT meetings (1985, 1988 and 2000), where he won 26 races in total, earning him the nickname 'King of the Road'.

He was awarded an MBE in 1986 for his services to the sport and in 1996 he was awarded the OBE for his humanitarian work for children in Romanian orphanages.

(BMcC)