Dunlop dies in horror crash

from eurosport.yahoo.co.uk and sportinglife

Former Isle of Man TT winner Robert Dunlop has died after a horrific crash during a practice race in Northern Ireland.


The Co Antrim rider, brother of the legendary Joey Dunlop, who was killed in a similar accident in Estonia in 2000, was injured in the North West 200 in Portrush.

His bike appeared to seize at the Mathers Cross section of the course.

He was rushed to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, Co Londonderry, where he died from his injuries shortly after 10pm.

A spokeswoman for the Causeway hospital said the Dunlop family had asked for privacy as they tried to come to terms with the tragedy.

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

"Coleraine & 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.

"The MCUI (UC) - Motor Cycling Union of Ireland and PSNI are in the process of fully investigating the incident which happened during the 125, 250, 400 practice session on the first lap.

"The other rider involved in the incident is in a stable condition in hospital.

"Robert was one of Northern Ireland's best known and most experienced riders who will always been remembered for his infectious personality and love for road racing."

Tributes were also paid to the motorcyclist from the highest level of the Stormont power sharing executive.

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," Mr Paisley said.

"Robert was one of our greatest sportsmen and will be sadly missed.

"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."

Northern Ireland's Sports Minister Edwin Poots also extended his condolences to friends and family of the racer.

"It is a tragic loss for his family and all those involved in motorsport at home and on the international stage," the Democratic Unionist minister said.

"Robert was a much-loved, respected and talented member of the motorsport community and will be missed by all."

Dunlop received chest injuries during the 160mph accident, tumbling over the handlebars.

Another Northern Ireland rider, Darren Burns, had a suspected broken leg and concussion in the accident, but was said to be stable in hospital.

He was following Dunlop and was unable to avoid hitting the Ballymoney rider during the 250cc qualifying.

Dunlop sustained serious injuries in a crash at the Isle of Man TT in 1994, but he recovered and returned to the sport in 1996 at the Cookstown 100 and although still not fully fit took ninth place.

In February 2005 he was the first person to be elected to the Irish Racer Magazine Hall of Fame.

R.I.P Robert

RIP, Robert.

Another Dunlop gone

Brave guy.

RIP

i have no idea who the guy was, but i thought it might interest some people here

Very sad to hear that such tragedy has struck the same family twice. I was there that day when his brother died. It was pouring down heavily and his bike went off line and straight in between two trees. Such things don't luckily happen on modern racing tracks...

Originally posted by Mediansoft
Vid or it didn't happen (tragic if true but it's the currency you are prepared to pay if u decide to race.. especially on bikes)

Yeah when someone you know dies, think back how you would feel if someone said "Vid or it didn't happen". Then you will understand what a complete and utter a*hole you are.

Rest In Peace

Road racing is probably one of the most dangerous sport in the World. It is like going back to the roots of car racing - racing on normal roads. It was the risk to spectators that probably put paid to car road racing. Bikes also kill spectators - just less that would a car - so it will continue.

I read a wonderful interview with Robert Dunlop just last Monday in the Irish Times. Here is what he said when asked why he did not quit when his brother was killed in 2000.


"People don't realise how passionate I am about my racing. It's not a sport for me; it's my whole life; it's all I know and have ever done."

RIP

Wonderful, wonderful road racer. Brave as lion, and a racer through and through. Robert, like his great brother Joey, will be sorely missed by all of us who had the privilege of seeing him in action. RIP .

Very very sad news. R.I.P. Robert.

For some strange reason I always thought Robbie was Joey's son. Not that it matters, another tragedy to hit a great motorsports family. R.I.P. Robbie

RIP


I read the excellent book on Joey Dunlop - a must read for all bike racing fans.....

Originally posted by Welsh
RIP


I read the excellent book on Joey Dunlop - a must read for all bike racing fans.....

I saw a documentary about Joey in one sport channel around 1993. It was very good, and it seemed to me that Joey was a beautiful human being and i rooted for him since that. I was sad about him and i'm very sad about his brother too.