RIP Robert Dunlop - Motorcycle Racer Extraordinaire.

[Soop Dogg]

Motorycle road-racer Robert Dunlop died last night after an accident during practice for the NW200 races in Portrush, N. Ireland. It seems his engine seized near Mathers Cross at about 160mph, sending him over the handlebars. Another rider hit him when he was on the road. Robert died of chest injuries.

These guys are heroes - forget the TT, this is mass start racing on closed public roads where over 20 riders leave the grid together just like circuit racing, but the roads are often narrow and surrounded by walls, lamposts, houses etc. Great to watch but incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately these things happen, I suppose.

Robert was well aware of the dangers - his brother Joey died in 2000 riding in a road race in Estonia. I don't think either of them expected to go any other way than this - doing what they loved.

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7403931.stm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/nw200/watch/coverage.shtml

[Alex]

RIP

(Thought you'd be on this news item soon enough - having just read it on BBC ;) )

[4packet]

I've been up to the NW200 on the bike. The year the Honda cracked 200mph. It is indeed an intense race to watch with enormous commitment from all the riders considering the environment. Shame a mechanical failure let Robert down.

[Animal]

RIP Robert. A damn good racer, like Joey and a top bloke. I'll never forget the crash he had when his rear wheel collapsed, that was scary.

[Angry Koala]

Was so sad to hear this news this morning. I've met Robert a few times at various race meetings and he's always taken the time to speak to me (even on the start line minutes before a race at the TT).

He certainly will be missed. RIP.

[Ian Ian]

:( RIP Robert a sad day for the Irish biking world, Joey was a true gent just like Robert

:( Cheers
-Ian-

[mattsupra]

no way

i cant beleive it
rip Robert Dunlop

[SkyInsurance]

I was out watching the Northwest200 last year, my god do they take some risks! RIP to one of the greats :(

[Ian R]

Rip :(

[stupra]

Sad time for his family, and another loss to the bike racing world. :(

[Class One]

Sadly missed, fondly remembered.

[SIMON LC]

RIP Robert.I am flying over tomorrow morning for my 1st ever visit to the NW200.Just taken the edge off the weekend now.

[Darragh]

it is very very sad news :( ive watched the dunlops from as far back as i can remember and my family were always big fans, the sport wont be the same

R.I.P.

[merckx]

I feel for his family.

[Swampy442]

RIP. The Dunlop family have been road racers extrordinaire for many years, the loss of Joey was bad enough but to have bob too. Its a dangerous yet exciting game road racing, and the riders knew the risk. Doesnt make it any easier to accept. No doubt the "ban it" crowd will be out in force...