Fears over safety have led to Ryan Farquhar's decision

The Dungannon rider will only race in the Bush, Kells and Scarborough meetings along with the NW 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster GP.

"The safety levels at some home races leave a lot to be desired," he said.

"Given my own crash earlier this year and the death of Darran Lindsay I've taken a hard look at my future plans."

Lindsay was killed in practice for the Killalane road races in north Dublin last month while Farquahar missed most of the season after suffering neck and arm injuries in a crash at Cookstown in April.

"I was very close to being caught up in that Killane calamity," Farquhar told the News Letter.

"In fact, my wife Karen was keen for me to quit, but we have agreed a compromise which means that, apart from the three big international events, I've pencilled in just two local events.

"If organisers would do a lot more work, as suggested by riders, then I might reconsider my decision.

"I know that I'll probably take a lot of stick for these comments but these are my personal thoughts - I race to please myself, not the organisers."

Farquhar hopes to race in the early rounds of the British Supersport Championship next year.

The local ace sits on the Motorcycle Union of Ireland Ulster Centre's Road Safety Inspection Committee alongside Noel Johnston, who believes finance is the major problem.

"Everyone involved in the sport recognises that on some of the courses a lot more could be done concerning safety, but the money just isn't there," he said.

"We haven't had Government funding for a number of years now and the money that races raise through selling programmes goes nowhere near what's needed."