Ryan Farquhar plans road racing return after North West 200 crash

Ryan Farquhar has confirmed his desire to race again in the wake of his life-threatening crash at the North West 200.
Nico Mawhinney, Ryan Farquhar and Ben Wilson with NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte at the Triangle course on Monday.Nico Mawhinney, Ryan Farquhar and Ben Wilson with NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte at the Triangle course on Monday.
Nico Mawhinney, Ryan Farquhar and Ben Wilson with NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte at the Triangle course on Monday.

On Monday, Farquhar, Ben Wilson and Nico Mawhinney revisited the scene of their crashes at this year’s North West for the first time.

Ulsterman Farquhar was badly hurt after he crashed during the Supertwins race at the Dhu Varren section of the course.

Two days later, young English rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas was killed after coming off at the same place in the second Supertwins race. The meeting was abandoned as a result.

Farquhar, whose injuries included a lacerated liver, spent two weeks in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

“I hurt my self pretty badly but Malachi’s crash puts it into perspective,” he said.

“I am hoping not to have to hang my leathers up under these circumstances. I am determined to get my racing licence back and to race again. My career is not finished yet.”

Former Irish Superbike champion Mawhinney, a newcomer to the event, and Wilson both crashed at the infamous Mill Road Roundabout.

British championship rider Wilson said: “The surgeons have sorted my leg out now and I hope to get back on the bike as soon as I can.”

Castledawson’s Mawhinney, meanwhile, is focused on returning to the British championship scene after breaking his pelvis, ankle and heel following his crash in practice.

All three discussed the potential for safety improvements at the North West 200 with Event Director Mervyn Whyte. The famous race has been plagued by a series of fatalities and serious crashes over the past eight years.

Whyte said: “It is great to see all three of these guys back on their feet and returning to the North West 200.

“Ryan, Ben and Nico know better than anyone the dangers of road racing and we really value their support and advice as we strive to improve safety around the track.

“They still have some way to travel with their own recoveries and everyone at the North West wishes them well with that.”