Simon Andrews dies following NW200 crash

IT HAS been officially confirmed that Simon Andrews has unfortunately succumbed to his injuries sustained after crashing in the NW200 Superstock race on Saturday.

The 29-year-old was immediately airlifted to the intensive care unit of the Belfast Royal Victoria hospital, but unfortunately Andrews passed away today with his family by his bedside.

Andrews’ father Stuart 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.”

Stuart explained Simon’s love for road racing: “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,” said Stuart.

“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.”

From all at Visordown, we send our sincere condolences to Simon’s family, friends and team at this sad time.