Post by BADGER on May 24, 2008 21:29:20 GMT
Robert Dunlop: A 'tremendous ambassador for the sport' was tragically killed in practice accident for North West 200 in County Antrim.
Robert Dunlop has died following a practice accident for this weekend’s North West 200 road race in Northern Ireland.
The 47-year-old – the younger brother of legendary TT hero Joey Dunlop, himself tragically killed during a 125cc race in Estonia in 2000 and whose funeral was attended by a staggering 50,000 mourners – suffered severe chest injuries in the crash whilst practicing for the 250cc outing in County Antrim. Travelling at around 160mph as he approached the Mathers Cross section of the course in Portrush, his bike suddenly appeared to seize, throwing Dunlop over the handlebars.
Despite being hurriedly transported to the Causeway Hospital in nearby Coleraine, he died from his injuries shortly after 10pm BST last night. Fellow Northern Ireland rider Darren Burns was following Dunlop at the time of the accident and was unable to avoid hitting him, leaving Burns in hospital with a suspected broken leg and concussion, but thankfully said to be in a stable condition.
Denver Robb was behind the pair of them when the accident happened.
“Coming up to Mathers, Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream,” the BBC quotes him as saying. “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 Burnsy had nowhere to go and he clipped him and he went straight on.”
Tributes have since been pouring in for the Ballymoney rider, who holds the record for the most victories at the North West 200 meeting with 15. He suffered serious injuries in a crash during the Isle of Man TT in 1994, but recovered and resumed his career. He retired from racing in 2004, only to return to action again the following year.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert’s family,” commented clerk of the course Mervyn Whyte, “and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Louise, children William, Daniel and Michael and wider family circle.
“The MCUI (UC) – Motor Cycling Union of Ireland – and PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) are in the process of fully investigating the incident, which happened during the 125, 250, 400 practice session on the first lap.
“Robert was one of Northern Ireland’s best-known and most experienced riders, who will always be remembered for his infectious personality and love for road racing.”
Ireland’s First Minister Ian Paisley, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Northern Ireland Sports Minister Edwin Poots similarly offered their condolences, acknowledging their deep sadness and regret at the news.
“This is a tragedy that will be felt deeply by the people of Northern Ireland,” remarked Mr Paisley. “Robert was one of our greatest sportsmen and will be sadly missed.”
“Robert, like his brother Joey before him, was a tremendous ambassador for his sport,” agreed Mr McGuinness. “I offer my sincerest sympathies to his family.”
“Robert was a much loved, respected and talented member of the motorsport community and will be missed by all,” added Mr Poots.
Robert Dunlop has died following a practice accident for this weekend’s North West 200 road race in Northern Ireland.
The 47-year-old – the younger brother of legendary TT hero Joey Dunlop, himself tragically killed during a 125cc race in Estonia in 2000 and whose funeral was attended by a staggering 50,000 mourners – suffered severe chest injuries in the crash whilst practicing for the 250cc outing in County Antrim. Travelling at around 160mph as he approached the Mathers Cross section of the course in Portrush, his bike suddenly appeared to seize, throwing Dunlop over the handlebars.
Despite being hurriedly transported to the Causeway Hospital in nearby Coleraine, he died from his injuries shortly after 10pm BST last night. Fellow Northern Ireland rider Darren Burns was following Dunlop at the time of the accident and was unable to avoid hitting him, leaving Burns in hospital with a suspected broken leg and concussion, but thankfully said to be in a stable condition.
Denver Robb was behind the pair of them when the accident happened.
“Coming up to Mathers, Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream,” the BBC quotes him as saying. “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 Burnsy had nowhere to go and he clipped him and he went straight on.”
Tributes have since been pouring in for the Ballymoney rider, who holds the record for the most victories at the North West 200 meeting with 15. He suffered serious injuries in a crash during the Isle of Man TT in 1994, but recovered and resumed his career. He retired from racing in 2004, only to return to action again the following year.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert’s family,” commented clerk of the course Mervyn Whyte, “and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Louise, children William, Daniel and Michael and wider family circle.
“The MCUI (UC) – Motor Cycling Union of Ireland – and PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) are in the process of fully investigating the incident, which happened during the 125, 250, 400 practice session on the first lap.
“Robert was one of Northern Ireland’s best-known and most experienced riders, who will always be remembered for his infectious personality and love for road racing.”
Ireland’s First Minister Ian Paisley, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Northern Ireland Sports Minister Edwin Poots similarly offered their condolences, acknowledging their deep sadness and regret at the news.
“This is a tragedy that will be felt deeply by the people of Northern Ireland,” remarked Mr Paisley. “Robert was one of our greatest sportsmen and will be sadly missed.”
“Robert, like his brother Joey before him, was a tremendous ambassador for his sport,” agreed Mr McGuinness. “I offer my sincerest sympathies to his family.”
“Robert was a much loved, respected and talented member of the motorsport community and will be missed by all,” added Mr Poots.