A tragic incident occurred during the qualifying session for the North West 200 in Northern Ireland, leading to the death of a rider.
The racing was halted on Thursday after the crash, and it was later confirmed by the organizers that the rider, who remains unnamed, had unfortunately passed away.
A spokesperson stated: “A participant in the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 lost their life following an incident at Station corner on the NW200 course during the morning Superbike qualifying session.
“Emergency services responded promptly after the session was red flagged, but, regrettably, the rider could not survive the injuries sustained.
“While the family has allowed the event to proceed, they have requested not to disclose the rider’s identity at this time.
“Our deepest condolences go out from Coleraine and District Motor Club, the race organizers, to the family and team of the deceased.”
Road Racing Ireland expressed its sympathies, stating it “extends sincere condolences to the rider’s family, friends, team, and all affected by the day’s tragic events.”
Covering 8.97 miles of public roads in the ‘Triangle’ circuit between Portrush, Portstewart, and Coleraine, the North West 200 is a major outdoor sports event in Northern Ireland, drawing approximately 100,000 attendees.
This fatality marks the first at the event since Malachi Mitchell-Thomas’s death in a Supertwins race in 2016.
The organizers have also revised the schedule for Thursday evening, with roads now reopened and planned closures at 4.45pm, followed by four qualifying sessions replacing the originally scheduled races from 5.45pm onwards.
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