The family of biker Robert Dunlop have said the North West 200 road racing event should go ahead in spite of his death.
The champion biker fell from his machine yesterday after the bike failed at a speed of up to 160mph at the North West 200 near Portrush, Co Antrim, his home course.
North West 200 course clerk Mervyn Whyte said the family wanted them to go ahead with tomorrow’s event.
“Race day will take place tomorrow as planned with roads closing at 10am. Prior to the first race a minute’s silence will be held,” he said.
“Robert was a wonderful ambassador for the North West 200 and for Northern Ireland, and we believe he would have wished the event to go ahead.”
Long-term friend Liam Beckett said the Dunlop family are “in pieces”. Robert's brother Joey died in a similar accident in 2000 in Estonia.
PA
