Irish racing lost another of its heroes last night. Robert Dunlop was killed in the NorthWest 200 250cc practice session. He died after suffering severe chest injuries during a crash at Mather’s Cross.
He was rushed to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine but succumbed to his injuries at around 10pm.
Darren Burns, who was behind Dunlop, was also injured but not seriously. He is suffering from a concussion and suspected broken leg.
It is believed that Dunlop's bike seized on the approach to the 160mph Mather's Cross corner. According to Burns, this flung Dunlop over the handlebars and Burns had no option but to clip the Ballymoney rider.
www.bikesportnews.com's tame racer Bruce Dunn said: "I came round there not too long after it. There was dust and debris everywhere. 
"I think there was some off-track shenanigans as well as there were police Land-Rovers flying about and there were some delays between classes." 
Clerk of the Course Mervyn Whyte said: "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.
"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.
"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."
TT winner Dunlop had previously sustained serious injuries in a crash onthe Island in 1994, but he recovered and returned to action pretty much against the odds. Brother Joey was killed racing in Estonia in the year 2000.
This news has shocked the racing world again. Just two weeks ago, Dubliner Martin Finnegan lost his life after a crash at the Tandragee 100.