OK. I didn't see a thread for Motorbike racing so I thought I'd make one. Everthing bike racing related can go in here.

I'll start with the best bike racing of the lot the Road Racing and the North West 200.

QUOTE
Dunlop dies after motorbike crash

From BBC Sport



Motorcyclist Robert Dunlop has died at the age of 47 after suffering severe chest injuries in a crash in Thursday's practice session at the North West 200.

Another Northern Ireland rider, Darren Burns, suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the accident, but is said to be stable in hospital.

The accident happened in the 250cc qualifying session in County Antrim.

Dunlop's brother Joey, a legendary figure in British motorcycle circles, died while racing in Estonia in 2000.

A five-time Formula One world champion who won 26 races at the Isle of Man TT meeting, Joey's funeral was attended by 50,000 mourners.

Robert Dunlop, who holds the record for the most wins at the North West 200 meeting with 15, sustained serious injuries in a crash at the Isle of Man TT in 1994, but recovered and resumed his career.


Robert Dunlop's 15th & Final NW200 Win


He retired from racing in 2004 but returned to action the following year.

On Thursday he and the other riders were travelling at speeds of about 160mph as they approached the Mathers Cross section of the course in Portrush.

Dunlop's bike appeared to seize and he went over the handlebars.

He was rushed to the Causeway Hospital in nearby Coleraine, where he died from his injuries shortly after 2200 BST.

Burns was following behind and was unable to avoid hitting the Ballymoney rider.

Another Northern Ireland rider, Denver Robb, was behind both motorcyclists when the accident happened.

"Coming up to Mathers (Cross), Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream," he said.

"Then Robert - it was one of the Dunlops - came past me and, as soon as he did, he just shot off into Mathers and the bike seized.

"There was a puff of smoke and the bike locked up - she went sideways - and I think Robert must have grabbed the front brake.

"He went out over the top of the bike and landed on the road. Then Burnsy had nowhere to go and he clipped him and he went straight on."

Clerk of the course Mervyn Whyte said he was devastated by the death.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert's family and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Louise, children William, Daniel and Michael and wider family circle," Whyte said.

"The MCUI (UC) - Motor Cycling Union of Ireland and PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) are in the process of fully investigating the incident which happened during the 125, 250, 400 practice session on the first lap.

"Robert was one of Northern Ireland's best known and most experienced riders, who will always been remembered for his infectious personality and love for road racing."

First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they were deeply saddened by the death.

"This is a tragedy that will be felt deeply by the people of Northern Ireland," Mr Paisley said.

"Robert was one of our greatest sportsmen and will be sadly missed."

Mr McGuinness said: "Robert, like his brother Joey before him, was a tremendous ambassador for his sport.

"I also offer my sincerest sympathies to his family."

Northern Ireland Sports Minister Edwin Poots said: "Robert was a much loved respected and talented member of the motorsport community and will be missed by all."




QUOTE
Dunlop's son races to NW 200 win

From BBC Sport



An emotional Michael Dunlop claimed victory in the 250 race in Saturday's North West 200, just two days after the death of his father Robert.

"I had to do it for him - I hope my dad's proud of me," said Michael, who secured his first North West success.

Steve Plater claimed a treble (feature race and both Supersport 600s) while Michael Rutter took a Superbike win.

Alastair Seeley (Superstock), Michael Wilcox (125) and Oliver Linsdell (400) also enjoyed victories.

Michael Dunlop edged out Christain Elkin and John McGuinness after making a late decision to race.

His brother William failed to make the grid for the same race because of mechanical problems with his bike.

Plater clinched the NW 200 feature race victory for the third straight year after a superb overtaking move on the last lap saw him finish ahead of Cameron Donald and Rutter.

Guy Martin was comfortable in the lead before being forced out in the third lap.

English rider Rutter went from third to first in a blistering move on the final lap to secure his 12th North West victory ahead of Martin and McGuinness earlier in the day.

"I got in the slipstream, put my head down and went for it," said Rutter.

"It's just awesome, fanstastic. To win it meant a lot to me and it was a great race."

Lougher clocked a new fastest lap of 118.416 mph in the first Supersport 600 race before Plater went better with 119.197 in the final lap - Seeley was second with Lougher third.

Plater, from England, completed his hat-trick with a second Supersport 600 win from Seeley in second and Lougher again in third.

"Everyone has done a fantastic job and I'm already looking forward to next year," said a delighted Plater.

Wilcox, after four runner-up finishes at the North West, finally secured a win from Chris Palmer in second while James Ford came in third.

Northern Ireland competitor Seeley came through on the final corner to pip Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald in the Superstock class while Martin ran a new fastest lap of 121:949.

Robert Dunlop's funeral will be held on Sunday.

North West 200 results:

250
1. Michael Dunlop (Honda) 109.516 mph (average lap speed)
2. Christian Elkin (Honda) 109.420
3. John McGuinness (Honda) 109.352
4. Paul Robinson (Honda) 107.437
5. Andrew Neill (Honda) 107.274

Superbike (1)
1. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 122.609
2. Guy Martin (Honda) 122.534
3. John McGuinness (Honda) 122.520
4. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 122.498
5. Gary Johnson (Honda) 121.658

Supersport 600 (1)
1. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 117.723
2. Alastair Seeley (Yamaha) 117.466
3. Ian Lougher (Yamaha) 117.402
4. Ian Hutchinson (Yamaha) 117.364
5. Ryan Farquhar (Kawasaki) 117.340

125
1. Michael Wilcox (Honda) 101.225
2. Chris Palmer (Honda) 101.211
3. James Ford (Honda) 100.473
4. Mark Lunney (Honda) 100.236
5. Marl Curtain (Honda) 100.192

400
1. Oliver Linsdell (Yamaha) 103.803
2. Paul Dobbs (Yamaha) 101.791
3. Les Shand (Kawasaki) 101.733
4. Joe Phillips (Kawasaki) 101.720
5. John Barton (Kawasaki) 101.633

Superstock
1. Alastair Seeley (Yamaha) 121.072
2. Bruce Anstey (Suzuki) 121.023
3. Cameron Donald (Suzuki) 121.003
4. Guy Martin (Honda) 120.953
5. Keith Amor (Honda) 120.941

NW 200 Superbike (2)
1. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 122.475
2. Cameron Donald (Suzuki) 122.429
3. Michael Rutter (Ducati) 122.371
4. Bruce Anstey (Suzuki) 122.355
5. John McGuinness (Honda) 122.338

Supersport 600 (2)
1. Steve Plater (Yamaha) 118.188
2. Alastair Seeley (Yamaha) 118.176
3. Ian Lougher (Yamaha) 118.018
4. Steve Brogan (Honda) 117.718
5. Keith Amor (Honda) 117.709


Emotional scenes at the NW 200 this week but the racing proved why this is the best racing event in the world. If some of you have never watched it, you are missing out. With some wild overtaking, unbelivable slip-streaming, awesome speeds and action packed racing it makes racing around purpose build circuits look like a piece of cake. So here you go watch it and enjoy...


NW 200 Highlights Shows
BBC NI | ENG | HQ | X264 | 624x352



Show 1 (First 3 Races)
Part 1 - MediaFire
Part 2 - MediaFire
Part 3 - MediaFire
Part 4 - MediaFire
Part 5 - MediaFire

Show 2 (Last 5 Races)
Part 1 - MediaFire
Part 2 - MediaFire
Part 3 - MediaFire
Part 4 - MediaFire
Part 5 - MediaFire


*Both shows ~60mins long
*Show 1 - 468MB
*Show 2 - 463MB


Torrent of Both Shows

Mininova / Pirate Bay



The above Robert Dunlop Comps from the BBC:

Robert Dunlop - The Emergance of a Star
MediaFire

Robert Dunlop - Man Who Thrilled Generations
MediaFire

Robert Dunlop - The 15th NW Win
MediaFire

Robert & Joey Dunlop - Brothers & Rivals
MediaFire

End of Show Robert Dunlop Comp
MediaFire