Castledawson prays for Nico's full recovery as Cookstown's John Burrows speaks of devastation at Malachi's death

The young newcomer came off his bike during a practice session at the Mill Road roundabout on Thursday, before being transported to hospital.

He is now being treated at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital alongside Ryan Farquhar, whom the Belfast Health Trust say is still seriously ill from chest and pelvic injuries sustained during another crash on Thursday.

Messages of support have come in from the community.

Nico’s employer, Dogfence NI & Ireland said online: “Wishing our installation engineer Nico Mawhinney a speedy recovery after a unfortunate crash during Thursday’s practice session at the North West 200 road race.”

Castledawson Life posted: “All in the community wish Nico Mawhinney a speedy, and full, recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers from injury.”

A number riders have been treated in hospital for injuries sustained at this year’s event, while a 20-year-old rider who placed at Cookstown 100 tragically died on Saturday.

Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, who was driving for Cookstown’s Burrows Engineering, succumbed to injuries after crashing in the second Supertwins race. The race was then abandoned.

Team owner John Burrows said everyone at Burrows Engineering is finding it hard to come to terms with the loss.

“The whole team has been devastated by Malachi’s death, to be honest everyone is in a state of shock,” he said.

“Of course, Malachi’s loss will be felt most by his family and his close friends and I’d like to offer (them) my heartfelt condolences.”

Mid Ulster DUP MLA Keith Buchanan MLA has passed on his sympathy after the loss of Malachi Mitchell-Thomas.

“Having worked with team owner John Burrows, I pass on my condolences to John, his team and the family of Malachi Mitchell-Thomas. I also pass on my support to local riders Nico Mawhinney from Castledawson, Ryan Farquhar from Dungannon and Dan Copper from Coleraine and wish them all a speedy recovery.”