In the last lap there is always a problem when the guys are going out for a win

Billy Nutt

One competitor came off his machine and rolled to safety, but the bike hurtled on at over 60 miles per hour, somersaulted over a safety barrier and struck Mr Allaway.

He died on the way to hospital.

The clerk of the course, Billy Nutt, said it was "a freak accident".

"Obviously this incident will be fully investigated," he said.

"There had been a task force report and one of things recommended was putting in a chicane to slow them down.

Safety measures

"But in the last lap there is always a problem when the guys are going out for a win."

Earlier at the circuit, two competitors received broken limbs in a pile up during a race.

The incident highlights further the dangers of road racing in Northern Ireland.

Two years ago, the circuit claimed the life of rider, Owen McNally.

This most recent tragedy was compounded by the fact that it had happened on a part of the circuit that had new safety measures built in.