North West 200 will run

From the North West 200

Organizers of the Kennedy International North West 200, Coleraine and District Motor Club have taken the decision to proceed with Saturday’s North West 200, which they believe will be a fitting tribute to Robert Dunlop, who died during a practice session on Thursday evening.

Before making the decision to run the event Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte spoke to Robert’s widow Louise and sponsors and they have given their full support to tomorrow’s event.

“Robert was a wonderful ambassador for the North West 200 and for Northern Ireland and we believe he would have wished the event to go ahead," Whyte said.

“Robert will be remembered with great fondness by all who knew him. His presence, sense of humour, enthusiasm and love for life will be sorely missed. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with Louise, Robert’s sons Michael, William and Daniel and the wider family circle. Our thoughts are also with Darren Burns who was injured last night.

"As a mark of respect to the Dunlop family and the motorcycling fraternity at large, all events in the paddock and hospitality area will be cancelled today. Race Day will take place tomorrow as planned with roads closing at 10am. Prior to the first race a minute’s silence will be held."