"Simon loved road racing and he loved competing at the North West 200," he said.

"He has had a motorbike since he was four years old and started racing when he was 16.

"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. Simon always said ‘Once you’ve been on the roads there’s nothing else to compare with it."

Simon Andrews (29) was airlifted to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital at the weekend, after the accident at the Metropole section in the Superstock race.

The rider, from Evesham in Worcestershire had been riding for the Penz13.com BMW team.

Footage of the crash had circulated on YouTube, but race organisers asked that it be removed out of consideration for Mr Andrews’ family.

The rider was badly hurt at the World Endurance Le Mans 24-Hour race in 2013, while competing with the Honda TT Legends team.

He also suffered a broken leg following a serious crash at Snetterton in 2011.

North West 200 event director Mervyn Whyte said Simon was a "superb rider and a great character in the paddock".

"This is a very sad day and I want to offer my condolences to Simon’s family and friends and to his race team," he said.

"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."



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Tributes paid to Simon Andrews

Tributes have been flooding in, following yesterday evening's news popular road racer Simon Andrews passed away.

The 29-year-old from Worcestershire succumbed to injuries he sustained in Saturday's Superstock race at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland.

He had been competing at the TT since 2011.

The likes of fellow road racer Ian Hutchinson, MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow, MotoGP presenter Matthew Roberts, Manx charity Craig's Heartstrong Foundation, and many members of the public took to social media to express their sadness at the news of his death.

Manx Radio TT commentator Tim Glover says it is a big loss.

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Team Penz13.com wishes Simon Andrews farewell

It is with great regret that the Penz13.com BMW Racing Team has to announce the loss of it’s this year’s Top rider for the Road Racings, Simon Andrews. The 31 year old, from Evesham in Worcestershire lost control on his machine during Saturday’s Superstock race at the NorthWest 200 in Northern Ireland and was immediately treated at the scene and air lifted to the Belfast Royal Victoria hospital.

Simon passed away yesterday morning, Monday, 19th of May 2014, with his parents Stuart and Dee as well as girlfriend Lisa and best friend Breakers by his bed side.

The whole team Penz13.com is shocked and wishes Simons’ family and friends the utmost strength in those times.

Stuart, Simons father, said:

“Simon loved road racing and he loved competing at the North West 200. He has had a motorbike since he was 4 years old and started racing when he was 16. 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. Simon always said ‘Once you’ve been on the roads there’s nothing else to compare with it. Simon made his road racing debut at the North West 200 in 2011. He loved the racing, the relaxed atmosphere and the fans he met there. Simon always said that the North West fans were the most knowledgeable in the world as they knew everything about the sport and the bikes. Ireland had a special place in his heart as he scored his first ever championship point in a meeting at Mondello Park. Simon loved children and I always remember how he would kneel down to be at the same height as the kids who asked him for his autograph or picture. Throughout his career Simon has always been involved with various charities and that is why we have made a donation of his organs today. Simon always wanted that to happen.”

Rico Penzkofer, Team Principal Penz13.com, said:

“In such moments I have no words. Road Racings are our live, our passion, our world, but days like these are the other side of the coin. Words can’t heal the wounds today, but we all are wishing Simons family all the strength and power they need during this difficult time. Simon, mate, we all will never forget you.”

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