Joey Dunlop was one big loss to the motorbike racing. His brother never had the level of success he had but was a major figure in his own level died Yesterday.
Motorcyclist Robert Dunlop has died at the age of 47 after suffering severe chest injuries in a crash in Thursday’s practice session at the North West 200.
Another Northern Ireland rider, Darren Burns, suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the accident, but is said to be stable in hospital.
The accident happened in the 250cc qualifying session in County Antrim.
Dunlop’s brother Joey, a legendary figure in British motorcycle circles, died while racing in Estonia in 2000.
A five-time Formula One world champion who won 26 races at the Isle of Man TT meeting, Joey’s funeral was attended by 50,000 mourners.
Robert Dunlop, who holds the record for the most wins at the North West 200 meeting with 15, sustained serious injuries in a crash at the Isle of Man TT in 1994, but recovered and resumed his career.
He retired from racing in 2004 but returned to action the following year.
On Thursday he and the other riders were travelling at speeds of about 160mph as they approached the Mathers Cross section of the course in Portrush.
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