Dunlop shocked by Kirkistown tragedy

The 37-year-old died after colliding with Lisburn competitor Gary Keep in the second 600cc-1000cc Clubmans race at the hairpin section of the circuit.

Mr Martin, a newcomer to the sport, had earlier finished in ninth position on his 1000cc Suzuki in the opening Clubmans race.

Ballymoney rider Dunlop, who claimed his maiden Irish Superbike victory on Saturday, said fatal accidents were a rare occurrence at purpose-built race tracks.

“It’s the type of thing you never expect to happen at somewhere like Kirkistown,” said the 21-year-old.

“I’m not sure what happened or why, but you don’t expect that at a short circuit.

“Once you are on a motorbike, there is always that risk because of the speed that’s involved.

“It’s just one of those things that can happen and it shows that there is always a risk whether you are on the roads or on the short circuits.”

The remainder of Saturday’s race meeting, organised by Ulster Centre Sports Promotions, was abandoned as a mark of respect.

The Tandragee 100 road races had originally been scheduled to take place on Saturday, but the date became vacant following the North Armagh club’s decision to cancel the event due to the challenging economic climate among other issues.