Mark Young had a bright future and should have had a career ahead of him in the road racing scene but sadly on Sunday his life was tragically cut all too short, when he succumbed to the injuries he sustained in what should have been his first of many NorthWest 200 races.

The 22-year-old from Cookstown had been racing since 2002 and was coming to the forefront of road racing in Northern Ireland, having taken four national road race victories and been successful in both the recent Cookstown 100 and Tandragee 100 road races. Unfortunately this bright light in motorcycle racing was lost when he crashed at the notorious Mather’s Cross section during the opening 250cc race at the North West 200.

He was immediately rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital with serious leg and chest injuries from which he was unable to recover from. Despite the tragedy which has devasted the family who are well known in motorcycle circles, Mark’s untimely death has given hope to other’s as the family took the decision to donate Mark’s organ’s.

Last night the Young family brought Mark’s body back to his home town of Cookstown with a massive escort of friends and fans lining the route. Today (Wednesday) will see Mark make his final journey to his resting place at Molesworth Presbyterian Church, Cookstown at approximately 1.45pm. The funeral service will be held at Mark’s home, 62 Millburn Park, Cookstown at 1.45pm. Donations in lieu if desired to injured riders fund c/o Steensons Funeral Services, Cookstown.

Mark will be sadly missed not only by his family and friends but by all in the racing community.