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THE world of racing is in mourning today, after road racing legend Joey Dunlop died following a crash at a meeting in Estonia yesterday (Sunday).
The 48-year-old publican, a 26-time Isle of Man TT winner and five-time Formula One world champion, was racing in a low-profile event in the former Soviet-republic\'s capital, Tallinn, which took place on a 3.7-mile street circuit set in woodlands.
The accident happened on lap two of the 125 race run in wet conditions. Reports say he crashed on a particularly wet patch of track, a fast S-bend just before the start-finish straight.
Witnesses say the rear end stepped out, causing the bike to highside and hit two trackside trees.
Doctors at the event rushed to the scene but it was clear nothing could be done. He had died instantly. The race was immediately stopped and the event abandoned.
Dunlop had already won his two previous races at the track on Saturday and on Sunday morning, on his own RC45 and a CBR600.
Billy Nutt, a close friend and promoter of the Northwest 200 , said: \"It\'s a terrible tragedy that he has died. I think he had been doing it for so long that everyone, including him, thought maybe he was untouchable, that it could never happen to him. The only thing I can say which is good is that he was doing the thing he loved most, racing.\"
Kristo Kelder, a spokesman for Tallinn police said: \"The accident happened totally because of the rain. He lost control of the bike on a turn that is pretty tricky when it\'s raining. It was a terrible accident.\"
His body will be flown back to his home in Ballymoney in Northern Ireland this week, and his funeral is expected to follow shortly after.
Dunlop scored his record 26th win at the Isle of Man TT races little more than three weeks ago. He began racing in 1969 and was a factory Honda rider for the past 18 years.
The father of five was honoured with both MBE and OBE awards for his humanitarian work in war torn countries.
Goodbye to a gentleman a star and the number one roadracer of all time. A great ambassador for motorcycling. Deepest sympathy to his family, freinds and the people of Northern Ireland.
