A Superbike rider has died following an accident during a qualifying run at Coleraine’s North West 200 international road race.
The incident on Thursday occurred at Station Corner and a red flag brought the session to a close.
Organisers say emergency services attended the scene of the crash, “but unfortunately the rider succumbed to his injuries”.
The event will continue after consultations with the family of the deceased, who remains unnamed at the request of their family.
North West 200 organisers said in a statement: “A competitor at the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 has died following an incident at Station corner on the NW200 course during this morning’s Superbike qualifying session.
“The session was immediately red flagged and emergency services attended the scene but unfortunately the rider succumbed to his injuries.
“The family have given their approval for the event to continue but have requested that the rider not be named at this time.
“Coleraine and District Motor Club, the organisers of the races, offer our sincere condolences to the family and team.”
The 2026 event is due to resume on Thursday evening with roads closing again between 4.45pm and 9pm for three races. These races will be replaced by qualifying sessions as this morning’s qualification was stopped.
The incident marks the 20th fatality associated with the annual event and the first since Supertwins rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas on the third lap of the Supertwins race on 14 May 2016.
The North West 200 takes place over 8.97 miles of closed public roads and has been running since 1929, attracting tens of thousands of fans to Northern Ireland.
