Superbike rider dies during race as statement released

A rider has died following an incident in Superbike qualifying at the North West 200 international road race.

The fatal accident occurred at Station Corner during the first session on Thursday.

Shutterstock Editorial

A red flag brought the session to an immediate end following the incident.

The rider has not been named at the wishes of their family.

North West 200 statement

However, the organisers of the North West 200 have released a statement following the tragic accident.

In the statement, they said: “The session was immediately red flagged and emergency services attended the scene but unfortunately the rider succumbed to his injuries.

“The family have given their approval for the event to continue but have requested that the rider not be named at this time.

“Coleraine and District Motor Club, the organisers of the races, offer our sincere condolences to the family and team.”

It is the first fatality at the North West 200 since Malachi Mitchell-Thomas’ passing in 2016.

The rider was killed in a Supertwins race at the event a decade ago.

In the 97-year history of the North West 200, there have been 20 fatalities.

The international road race takes place across 8.97 miles of closed public roads in Northern Ireland known as ‘the Triangle’.

Getty

Having first been held in 1929, it is the largest annual sporting event to take place in the country.

The street circuit is located between the towns of Portstewart and Portrush.

Riders can reach speeds in excess of 200mph, with averages of 120mph at the course.

2026 North West 200

This year’s meeting will continue despite the fatal accident during Thursday’s opening session.

Although the scheduled afternoon sessions did not go ahead, qualifying has been moved to Thursday night.

They will replace the opening three races, which had previously been planned for the session.

Shutterstock Editorial

It has not yet been announced how Saturday’s schedule will be affected.

Additional races may need to take place on top of the six already planned.