1:13pm UK, Friday May 16, 2008

By John Kelly in Ireland

One of Northern Ireland's leading motorcycle racers has died in a high-speed accident eight years after his brother, also a bike champ, was killed in a similar smash.

Tragic bike star Robert Dunlop

Robert Dunlop died following the crash during a practice session at the North West 200 on Thursday night.

It is believed the 47-year-old was travelling at 160mph as he approached the Mathers Cross Section of the course during the 250cc qualifying session.

Witnesses say the current 125cc Irish champion, who was racing in the 250cc class for the first time since his horrific crash in the Isle of Man in 1994, was thrown over the handlebars after it appeared that his bike seized.

He was rushed to hospital near Coleraine with severe chest injuries, but died shortly after arrival.

Dunlop won a record-breaking 15th race at the North West 200 meeting in 2006, and had 14 podium finishes at the Isle of Man TT races.

Tragically, Robert's brother Joey was also killed while leading a 125cc race in Tallinn, Estonia, back in 2000.

Joey Dunlop was awarded the OBE in 1986, following his fifth consecutive Formula One world title. He also won three hat-tricks at the Isle of Man TT meeting, where he won 26 races in total.

Fifty thousand mourners attended his funeral, while a stretch of the notorious Isle of Man TT course has been renamed "Joey's" in tribute to him.

Another Northern Irish rider, Darren Burns, was also injured in Thursday night's crash, suffering a suspected broken leg and concussion in the accident.

Burns was travelling behind Dunlop and was unable to avoid hitting the Ballymoney rider.

Northern Ireland's First Minister, Ian Paisley, and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, both offered their condolences to the Dunlop family.

"This is a tragedy that will be felt deeply by the people of Northern Ireland. Robert was one of our greatest sportsmen and will be sadly missed," Mr Paisley said.

Mr McGuinness added: "Robert, like his brother Joey before him, was a tremendous ambassador for his sport - I also offer my sincerest sympathies to his family."

Saturday's North West 200 goes ahead despite the tragedy, but there will be a minute's silence before the start in tribute to Robert Dunlop.