Kamil Holan has been named as the rider who died during a North West 200 qualification race on Thursday. The 48-year-old Czech rider lost his life following an incident at the Station Corner section of the Triangle Circuit on May 7.
Family Requests Privacy Initially
His family had initially asked for his name not to be released, but have now given permission for it to be disclosed. They have insisted that the event should continue despite their tragic loss, according to Belfast Live.
First Fatality Since 2016
Holan is the first fatality at the North West 200 since Malachi Mitchell-Thomas died in a Supertwins race in 2016. Over the 97-year history of the event, 20 riders have lost their lives.
Hefty74, Holan's team, led the tributes on Facebook: "Kamil, you were an inspiration, support and a partner in life and on the track. Your humility, passion and smile will be missed every second. Your legacy will live on in Hefty74 and in our hearts. We express our deepest and most sincere condolences to his entire family and all his loved ones."
International Rider at Northern Ireland Event
Holan was one of many international riders who travel to compete at the road race in Northern Ireland. He first raced at the North West 200 in 2022. The event takes place on 8.97 miles of closed public roads around the 'Triangle' circuit between Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. It is Northern Ireland's largest outdoor sporting event, attracting around 100,000 spectators.
Race Organisers' Statement
A statement from the Coleraine and District Motor Club, the race organisers, said: "A competitor at the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 has died following an incident at Station corner on the NW200 course during this morning’s Superbike qualifying session. The session was immediately red flagged and emergency services attended the scene but unfortunately the rider succumbed to his injuries. The family have given their approval for the event to continue but have requested that the rider not be named at this time. Coleraine and District Motor Club, the organisers of the races, offer our sincere condolences to the family and team."
Race organisers have confirmed that the races originally planned for Thursday night will not be added to Saturday's six-race schedule. Road Racing Ireland said it "extends its sincere condolences to the rider's family, friends, team, and everyone affected by today's events."
