Inquiry into death of road racer

Mark Young died following Saturday's race crash

An investigation is under way following the death of Cookstown rider Mark Young at the North West 200.

The 22-year-old died following a crash in the opening race on Saturday. It was the first time he had taken part in the annual race meeting.

Another competitor John Anderton from Antrim remains critically ill after crashing in practice last week.

Former road racing champion Philip McCallen said despite the dangers, the race's popularity continues to grow.

"Part of the appeal of the North West 200 for the 100,000-plus people there is they want the buzz of road racing, they want the excitement," he said.

"It is an attraction, it is an adrenalin drug. We know motorcycling is a dangerous sport, but we wish and hope and pray that things like this never happen."

It is very hard to turn your back on road racing once you get a bit of success Ryan Farquhar Road racer

Culture Minister Gregory Campbell said he was saddened by the death and offered his "sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Mark's friends and family at this difficult time".

Course clerk Mervyn Whyte said everyone was "devastated" by the tragedy.

But he stressed that regular risk assessments were carried out to try to make the course as safe as possible.

"It is a high speed sport, we will get accidents at the North West 200," he said.

"We have competitors from all over the world. In reality, there are less fatalities in motorcycle racing compared to the like of horse jumping and other events. The competitors want to take part."

The accident happened at Mather's Cross, between Coleraine and Portrush.

Robert Dunlop was killed at the North-West last year

At last year's North West 200, motorcycling star Robert Dunlop was killed in an accident in the same area during a practice session.

Mr Whyte said: "I remember talking to the late Robert Dunlop on numerous occasions. Robert told me he could never give up motorcycle racing because it was in his blood."

Another rider, Christian Elkin is in a stable condition after breaking a leg during the closing stages of Saturday's 250cc race.

Road racer Ryan Farquhar, who also took part in the weekend's race meeting, said he had contemplated giving up the competition after being badly injured at another event.

He smashed his arm, broke two bones in his neck and broke ribs in an accident at the Cookstown 100.

But, he added: "When the injuries heal you just can't wait to get back at it again.

"It is like a drug. It is very hard to turn your back on road racing once you get a bit of success. I love racing.

"Every rider thinks it is never going to happen to them."