The scene of the accident near Dhu Varren in Portrush on Thursday evening

Racing halted after crash in Supertwins race

The opening night of action at the Vauxhall International North West 200 was overshadowed by a crash in the Supertwins race involving Ryan Farquhar and Dan Cooper.

The incident happened on the approach to Black Hill at the blind right-hander on the run uphill from Dhu Varren bridge.

Neither rider is believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

Farquhar sustained chest and pelvic injuries and was taken to the Royal Victoriaa Hospital in Belfast by PSNI helicopter.

It is understood that Ryan was talking at the scene and asked for this positive news to be conveyed to his wife Karen through Event Director, Mervyn Whyte.

Cooper was taken to Coleraine Hospital by ambulance with shoulder injuries.

The Supertwins race had been re-started following a delay due to a fire at a house at Station Corner in Portstewart.

A statement issued by the organisers said: 

“Dan Cooper, one of the two riders involved in the crash during the Supertwins race at the Vauxhall International North West 200 tonight, has been take to Causeway hospital, Coleraine by ambulance.

“Cooper (28), from Stroud, has sustained shoulder injuries.

“Ryan Farquhar (40) from Dungannon is being taken by PSNI helicopter to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast with chest and pelvic injuries.

“Both riders are in a stable condition and neither has life threatening injuries.”

Three races were planned on Thursday evening, including the first Supersport and Superstock events, but only the Supersport race was fully completed.

The Superstock race may now be carried over to Saturday’s programme.

Ivan Lintin was declared the winner of the shortened Supertwins race from James Hillier and Jeremy McWilliams.

Kyle White