Tragic superbike star killed after crash at North West 200 qualifying session named

Kamil Holan has been named as the rider who died during a North West 200 qualification race on Thursday. His family had asked for his name not to be released, but have now given permission and insist they would like the event to continue despite them dealing with his tragic death, per Belfast Live . The 48-year-old died following an incident on the Station Corner section of the Triangle Circuit on May 7. Holan, from the Czech Republic, is the first fatality at the North West 200 since Malachi Mitchell-Thomas died in a Supertwins race in 2016. 20 men have lost their lives across the course of the 97-year history of the event. Hefty74, Holan's team, led the tributes and they said 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". Holan is one of a number of international riders who travel to compete at the road race in Northern Ireland. Holan 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. 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 the races that were 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."