Rider killed in NW200 race crash
Posted: May 19th, '12, 21:14
R.I.P. Mark Buckley 
"A rider has been killed at Northern Ireland's top motorcycle race, the North West 200.
He was named as Mark Buckley, a 35-year-old competitor from Lough Lowland in Scotland.
The married man died from his injuries in hospital after an incident near York Corner, outside Portstewart, Co Derry, said organisers.
The motorcyclist had been taking part in the third race, the Superstock race, on Saturday afternoon. It was the last day of the international race series.
Organisers have not fully established the cause of the crash yet, and are investigating the circumstances along with the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI).
Mervyn Whyte, North West 200 event director, said everybody was devastated by Mr Buckley's death.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jayne and we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire family circle," he said. "There were no other riders involved in the incident."
The annual event is reputed to be one of the fastest motorcycle road races in the world.
A number of competitors have been killed during its more than 80-year history.
Mr Buckley was a regular competitor at the North West 200 and was expecting to compete at the TT races in the Isle of man in June.
"A rider has been killed at Northern Ireland's top motorcycle race, the North West 200.
He was named as Mark Buckley, a 35-year-old competitor from Lough Lowland in Scotland.
The married man died from his injuries in hospital after an incident near York Corner, outside Portstewart, Co Derry, said organisers.
The motorcyclist had been taking part in the third race, the Superstock race, on Saturday afternoon. It was the last day of the international race series.
Organisers have not fully established the cause of the crash yet, and are investigating the circumstances along with the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI).
Mervyn Whyte, North West 200 event director, said everybody was devastated by Mr Buckley's death.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Jayne and we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire family circle," he said. "There were no other riders involved in the incident."
The annual event is reputed to be one of the fastest motorcycle road races in the world.
A number of competitors have been killed during its more than 80-year history.
Mr Buckley was a regular competitor at the North West 200 and was expecting to compete at the TT races in the Isle of man in June.
