In an emotional interview, Louise Dunlop told the Belfast Telegraph that her husband knew that racing would eventually kill him.

Father of three Robert (47) lost his life after suffering fatal chest injuries during a 160mph crash at practice for the North West 200 — an event at which he held the record for most wins.

A poignant photograph shows Robert sharing a tender moment with his son Michael just moments before the tragic crash which claimed his life.

"Robert would never give up racing. He loved it and he regarded himself as having been a man with two careers. When he had a major accident in 1994 in the Isle of Man he pulled himself together and decided to race on despite the fact that physically he wasn't the same man."

Louise added: "I love horses and I was at the Balmoral Show along with Robert yesterday, but he couldn't wait to get away to race at the North West 200. It was his life. But at the same time he knew it would eventually kill him.

"It's not being dramatic to say he had a premonition of death. That's not strictly true. But he was aware that the longer he continued to race the more chance there was of a serious accident. But he was prepared to accept the risk.

"He had to be in the thick of it himself. That was just his way."

Although there had been no official announcement this morning, it is expected that this weekend's races will go ahead.

The tragedy echoes the death of his brother, the legendary Joey Dunlop, who died during a race in Estonia eight years ago.

One of Robert's sons, Daniel, is a soldier serving in Afghanistan. It is understood that he is flying home to Northern Ireland.

The accident happened during the 250cc qualifying session early yesterday evening. It is believed Robert was travelling at 160mph as he approached the Mathers Cross part 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 death is expected to raise questions once more about the safety of the North West 200, Northern Ireland's biggest sporting event, but organisers stress that many safety improvements have been made to the course in recent years. It is believed that the accident was caused by machine failure.

Retired motorcycling ace Phillip McCallen knew Robert for 25 years and said people are in disbelief at his death.

"I saw him near the paddock last night. He was just the same old Robert, wanting to get out and race and try and win at the weekend. It is like a big family in the paddock before the race, and his death has just left everyone devastated," he said.

Former racer and now commentator Steve Parrish paid tribute to his friend.

"He had an incredible determination, just like his brother Joey ... he was a credit to all road racers," he said.

Another Northern Ireland rider, Darren Burns, was also injured in the crash. He suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the accident, but is in a stable condition.

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

Rider Denver Robb, who was behind both motorcyclists when the accident happened, described the tragedy.

He said: "Coming up to Mathers, Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream. 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."

Clerk of the Course Mervyn Whyte added: "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.

"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 Motor Cycling Union of Ireland and PSNI are in the process of fully investigating the incident which happened during the practice session on the first lap.

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

Sports Minister Edwin Poots said: "Robert was a much loved respected and talented member of the motorsport community and will be missed by all."