ROAD racing legend Robert Dunlop has died after a crash in the practice session at the North West 200.
The 47-year-old Ballymoney man sustained critical chest injuries when he crashed during the 250cc practice session.
Another rider, Darren Burns, suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the accident, but is said to be stable in hospital.
The incident happened on the fast stretch of road on the approach to the notorious Mather's Cross section of the 8.9 mile circuit on the north coast.
Dunlop's brother Joey was killed in a racing accident in Estonia in 2000.
The riders were travelling at speeds of about 160 miles per hour when the accident happened.
Dunlop's bike appeared to seize and he went over the handlebars.
He was rushed to the Causeway Hospital in nearby Coleraine, where he died from his injuries shortly after 2200 BST.
Burns was following behind and was unable to avoid hitting the Ballymoney rider.
Dunlop had sustained serious injuries in a crash at the Isle of Man TT in 1994, but he recovered and returned to action soon after.
Click here to leave your own personal tribute to Robert DunlopClick here to read a tribute to Robert Dunlop by News Letter motorcycling correspondent Dermot JamesRoad racing claims life of one of its favourite sonsThe full article contains 228 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
