North West 200: Rider dies in Superbike crash in road race

A rider has died in a Superbike crash qualifying for the North West 200 International road race on Thursday.

The incident occurred at Station Corner and a red flag brought the session to a close.

The rider’s name has not been released due to the wishes of the family.

“The session was immediately red flagged and emergency services attended the scene but unfortunately the rider succumbed to his injuries,” North West 200 organizers said in a statement.

“The family has given their approval for the event to go ahead but has requested that the rider’s name not be released at this time.

“Our sincere condolences go out to Coleraine and District Motor Club, the race organisers, the family and the team.”

Superbike qualifying was the first session of the day and the rest of the afternoon sessions did not take place.

Qualifying sessions have been moved to Thursday night to replace the planned opening three races, and race organizers have not yet confirmed whether there will be any additional races on top of the six planned on Saturday’s schedule.

The fatality is the first at the Northwest 200 since Malachi Mitchell-Thomas was killed in a Supertwins race in 2016, and the 20th rider to lose their life in the event’s 97-year history.

The event is an international road race covering 8.97 miles on closed public roads.