Motor Sport: There will be emotional scenes at this weekend's North West 200 which will go ahead as planned despite last night's death of local hero Robert Dunlop.
Dunlop, the most successful rider in North West 200 history, was killed after coming off his bike at around 160mph on a fast stretch of the track during a practice session.
A brother of legendary racer Joey, who died in a similar accident in Estonia in 2000, the Ballymoney rider suffered chest injuries and died in hospital.
Having considered cancelling the event, which attracts crowds in excess of 150,000 to the Antrim coast, a decision was taken this morning to proceed after organisers met with Dunlop's widow Louise.
Mervyn Whyte, clerk of the course, led today's tributes to the 48-year-old and believes Dunlop would have preferred for the event to take place.
"Robert was a wonderful ambassador for the North West 200 and for Northern Ireland," said Whyte, "and we believe he would have wished the event to go ahead.
"Robert will be remembered with great fondness by all who knew him. His presence, sense of humour, enthusiasm and love for life will be sorely missed."
All today's events in the paddock and hospitality areas have been cancelled but the race days, which can see competitors reach speeds of 200mph, will go ahead on Saturday and Sunday.
Another Irish rider, Darren Burns, suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in yesterday's accident, but is understood to be stable in hospital.
Dunlop's death comes just weeks after another high-profile racer died in a crash in another Irish road race.
Martin Finnegan was killed, and three spectators injured, at the Tandragee 100 meeting in Co Armagh on May 3rd.
The Dubliner was on the second lap of a 600cc race when he crashed off the circuit at the Marlacoo corner close to the Marlacoo Lake.