Robert Dunlop dies in 160mph smash at North West 200

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Robert Dunlop on the starting grid moments before the practice session that claimed his life

Robert Dunlop on the starting grid moments before the practice session that claimed his life

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VIDEO
• Course Clerk, Mervyn Whyte
• Tributes from fans [1] [2] [3]
• Robert's last interview with BTTV

Then Robert 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.

Friday, May 16, 2008

By Emily Moulton

Ulster road racing legend Robert Dunlop has died following a high speed crash during a practice session at the North West 200 last night.

The accident happened during the 250cc qualifying session early yesterday evening.

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.

The is second tragedy to strike the Dunlop family.

In 2000, Robert's brother Joey was killed in a racing accident in Estonia.

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.

"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 family circle," 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."