Simon Andrews remembered: Ireland always had a special place in my son's heart, says dad

The 31-year-old, from Evesham in Worcestershire, was killed after an accident on his Penz BMW in the Superstock race on the fast run towards Metropole in Portrush on May 17, 2014.

Andrews, who was team-mates with John McGuinness in the Honda TT Legends team in 2012, was an experienced British Superbike rider who was the fastest newcomer at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT in 2011.

He was competing in the British Superbike Championship on the RAF Reserves Honda in 2014 alongside his plans to race at the North West and TT for the Penz13.com team. He had battled his way back to fitness over the winter after a serious crash at the Le Mans 24-Hour meeting in 2013.

His father, Stuart, said Simon loved racing in Ireland ever since he earned his maiden British championship point at Mondello Park in Co Kildare.

“Ireland had a special place in his heart as he scored his first ever championship point in a meeting at Mondello Park,” he said, speaking at the time of his son’s death.

“Simon loved road racing and he loved competing at the North West 200. He had a motorbike since he was four years old and started racing when he was 16. From that first race Simon progressed to riding for the factory Honda TT Legends team and his mum and I are very proud of his racing achievements.

“Road racing was in his blood and Simon preferred the roads to short circuits. He was fully aware of the dangers involved but he loved the challenge that that offered. Simon always said: ‘Once you’ve been on the roads there’s nothing else to compare with it’.”

Mr Andrews went on to say how his son loved the relaxed atmosphere and interaction with the fans at the North West 200.

“Simon made his road racing debut at the North West 200 in 2011. He loved the racing, the relaxed atmosphere and the fans he met there,” he said.

“Simon always said that the North West fans were the most knowledgeable in the world as they knew everything about the sport and the bikes.

“He loved children and I always remember how he would kneel down to be at the same height as the kids who asked him for his autograph or picture. Throughout his career Simon has always been involved with various charities and that is why we have made a donation of his organs. Simon always wanted that to happen.”

Penz13.com team principal Rico Penzkofer said he was ‘lost for words’ following the tragedy.

“At such moments, I have no words. Road racing is our life, our passion, our world, but on days like these, we unfortunately live with the downside of the coin,” he said.

“Words cannot heal the wounds of today, but we wish Simon’s family all strength and power they need in these difficult times. Simon, mate, we all will never forget you.”

NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte described Andrews as a ‘superb rider and a great character’.

“This is a very sad day and I want to offer my condolences to Simon’s family and friends and to his race team,” said Whyte.

“Simon was a superb rider and a great character in the paddock. He was a huge asset to our race. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him and he was always very helpful when we asked for his assistance.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone at the North West 200.”

* A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. To subscribe, click here.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor