Simon Andrews has died as a result of the injuries he sustained in Saturday’s North West 200 Superstock race.
Andrews, 31, was involved in the accident halfway through the race at Metropole corner and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Organisers of the North West 200 announced that Andrews died on Monday with his parents and his girlfriend at his bedside.
“He has had a motorbike since he was four years-old and started racing when he was 16,” said his father. “From that first race Simon progressed to riding for the factory Honda TT Legends team and his Mum and I are very proud of his racing achievements. Road racing was in his blood and Simon preferred the roads to short circuits. He was fully aware of the dangers involved but he loved the challenge that that offered.”
Andrews, who came from Evesham in Worcestershire, had a history of serious injuries throughout his career, including large accidents at Thruxton and the Le Mans 24 Hour Race.
“Simon was a superb rider and a great character in the paddock,” added North West 200 event director Mervyn Whyte. “He was a huge asset to our race. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him and he was always very helpful when we asked for his assistance. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the North West 200.”
The accident was the second serious injury of the week, with Franck Petricola still in a critical condition and being treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital following a practice crash.
