Robert Dunlop, former motorcycle champion, fatally injured in crash

FORMER MOTORCYCLE champion Robert Dunlop died last night following a crash during a practice race in Northern Ireland.

He was badly injured while preparing for the North West 200 race in Portrush, Co Antrim, yesterday afternoon while travelling at about 160mph along a fast section of the course.

The Antrim-born rider and former Isle of Man TT winner was the younger brother of Joey Dunlop, who died in a similar incident in Estonia eight years ago.

Dunlop was rushed to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, Co Derry, following the incident yesterday afternoon. He is understood to have died at about 10pm from serious chest injuries.

Another Northern rider, Darren Burns, was also injured in the incident. He suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion, but was said to be stable in hospital late last night.

Mervyn Whyte, clerk of the course at the Portrush North West 200, said the racing community was stunned by the news.

"Coleraine and 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," he said.

"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," Mr Whyte said.

A number of well know figures paid tribute to Dunlop last night as news of his death spread.

Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they were deeply saddened by his death.

"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," Dr Paisley said.

"My prayers and thoughts this evening are with his family and loved ones."

Mr McGuinness said Robert, like his brother Joey before him, was a tremendous ambassador for his sport.

"I also offer my sincerest sympathies to his family," he said.

During the 1994 formula one TT, held a few weeks after the North West 200, Dunlop received serious injuries but returned to racing shortly afterwards.

In an interview in Monday's Irish TimesDunlop said: "People dont realise how passionate I am about my racing . . . Its not a sport for me; its my whole life; its all I know and have ever done."