Bike racer killed in horror smash at Dundrod that also injured his brother
A MOTORCYCLE rider died yesterday after a horror crash at the Dundrod 150 National road race in Co Antrim.
Manx 2016 Supertwin winner Jamie Hodson (35) from Wigan died in hospital last night after the smash, which happened at the Joey’s Windmill section of the circuit.
His brother Rob was also involved in the fatal incident.
The race was stopped immediately and the injured siblings were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
Rob Hodson was later discharged.
In a statement the race organisers said: “It is with much regret that the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club confirm that a rider was killed following a crash during the Dundrod 150 National race on Thursday.
“His brother Rob Hodson was involved in the same accident, but has no serious injuries.
“An experienced rider, Jamie was the reigning Manx GP Supertwins champion, and this year achieved a top 10 finish in the TT Lightweight race.
“The Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club would like to express its sincere condolences to Jamie’s family and friends and requests that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
Tributes to Mr Hodson quickly began to appear on social media. Biker Daniel Cooper of Dan Cooper Racing tweeted: “Absolutely gutted to hear of Jamie Hodson’s passing. The Hodson family are one of the nicest families in the road racing paddock. God speed.”
Racing was suspended last night at the Ulster Grand Prix after a second crash — this time during the Dundrod Challenge race — resulted in an injured rider being rushed to hospital, where he remained last night.
The name of the rider involved in the later crash has not been made public.
And no information about his condition was available last night.
The Lancashire brothers raced for Hodson Racing, a superbike team based in the town of Wigan. With more than 25 years of bike racing experience, the Hodson Racing team has won multiple club racing championships, competing in British superbike races, British 125GP races, and also taking part in the Isle of Man TT, the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.
Jamie Hodson is the first rider to die in Northern Ireland’s popular road racing competitions this year.
The 2017 Ulster Grand Prix competition continues until the weekend, culminating with the showpiece Ulster Grand Prix tomorrow.