North West 200: Simon Andrews dies after motorcycle crash in Northern Ireland road race

Andrews was competing in the North West 200 Superstock road race in Northern Ireland

Simon Andrews is in a critical condition after suffering a crash at the North West 200 on Saturday (Twitter/@renzocapodacqua)

A motorcyclist who crashed while competing in the North West 200 road race in Northern Ireland has died, the event organisers have announced.

Simon Andrews, 29, was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after suffering a high-speed accident at the Metropole section of the North West course. Andrews was competing in the second Superstock race of the event aboard his Penz13.com BMW.

A statement from the North West 200 said the rider, who was airlifted from the course, died in hospital on Monday with his parents Stuart and Dee and girlfriend Lisa among those at his bedside.

Andrews' father paid tribute to his son, who was named the Fastest Newcomer at the Isle of Man TT in 2011 and was a regular face on the British Superbike circuit.

"Simon loved road racing and he loved competing at the North West 200," said Stuart Ambrose.

"He has had a motorbike since he was four years old and started racing when he was 16. From that first race Simon progressed to riding for the factory Honda TT Legends team and his Mum and I are very proud of his racing achievements.

"Road racing was in his blood and Simon preferred the roads to short circuits. He was fully aware of the dangers involved but he loved the challenge that that offered. Simon always said 'Once you've been on the roads there's nothing else to compare with it'.

"Simon made his road racing debut at the North West 200 in 2011. He loved the racing, the relaxed atmosphere and the fans he met there. Simon always said that the North West fans were the most knowledgeable in the world as they knew everything about the sport and the bikes.

"Ireland had a special place in his heart as he scored his first ever championship point in a meeting at Mondello Park (Co Kildare).

"Simon loved children and I always remember how he would kneel down to be at the same height as the kids who asked him for his autograph or picture.

"Throughout his career Simon has always been involved with various charities and that is why we have made a donation of his organs today. Simon always wanted that to happen."

North West 200 event director Mervyn Whyte said: "This is a very sad day and I want to offer my condolences to Simon's family and friends and to his race team.

"Simon was a superb rider and a great character in the paddock. He was a huge asset to our race. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him and he was always very helpful when we asked for his assistance. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the North West 200."

Andrews’ accident on Saturday was the second major crash of the 2014 meeting after Frenchman Franck Petricola suffered critical injuries during practice on Tuesday.

As a tribute to Andrews, amateur riders have begun a campaign to get as many visitors to this year's Isle of Man TT to ride with white ribbon as part of their clothing in a mark of respect to the late BMW racer.