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Father of tragic North West 200 rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas pays tribute to his son

Kevin Thomas, the father of young racing star Malachi Mitchell Thomas pictured at the spot where his son died on Saturday close to Black Hill on the circuit. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
Kevin Thomas, the father of young racing star Malachi Mitchell Thomas pictured at the spot where his son died on Saturday close to Black Hill on the circuit. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin  Kevin Thomas, the father of young racing star Malachi Mitchell Thomas pictured at the spot where his son died on Saturday close to Black Hill on the circuit. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 

THE father of rising road racing star Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, killed during the North West 200, paid tribute to his son yesterday describing him as his "best friend".

The 20 year-old rider from Chorley in Lancashire died on Saturday after crashing at Dhu Varren, Portrush during the supertwins race.

He had already made a name for himself on the Northern Ireland road racing circuit with several wins and podium finishes this season.

His death came days after Dungannon racer Ryan Farquhar was seriously injured during another race at the North West 200.

Speaking from the scene yesterday Kevin Thomas said his 20-year-old son died doing what he loved best.

"He had taken to the roads, the crowds had taken to him. He was a petrol head and just wanted to go faster," he said.

Mr Mitchell-Thomas was competing for the Cookstown-based Burrows Engineering team.

The race was immediately red-flagged and although Mr Mitchell-Thomas was treated by medical staff, he died at the scene.

Mr Thomas said he would scatter his son's ashes at the Isle of Man TT races in June.

"I have lost my best friend - I have lost my son, but he died doing what he wanted to do," he added.

"He did not have a bad bone in his body and nobody had a bad word to say about him.

"He had been doing great things. We did not come here as a big business with a big bank account.

"We came here through hard grit, determination and mostly a desire to win races. I have never seen desire like he had."

Mr Thomas said he would continue to be involved in racing because "that is what Mal would have wanted me to do".

First minister Arlene Foster and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness expressed their condolences to Mr Mitchell-Thomas' family.

The young rider has been talked up in motorcycling circles in recent months as future star of the sport.

Already this season, he had won three races at the Mid Antrim 150 in April before securing four podium finishes at the Tandragee 100 and winning the supertwins race at the Cookstown 100.

He also finished fourth at the supersport race at the North West 200 earlier on Saturday.

The event is one of the fastest road races in the world and is Ireland's largest sporting event. But despite increasing safety measures, it also remains one of the world's most dangerous sports.

Mr Mitchell-Thomas became the 17th competitor to be killed at the event since 1939.

Meanwhile, Dungannon road racer Ryan Farquhar (40) continues to recover after sustaining serious injuries during another race at the North West 200.

He was taken to hospital following a collision with Dan Cooper - also at Dhu Varren, Portrush - on Thursday evening where he underwent surgery for chest and pelvic injuries.

Mr Cooper was treated for damage to his shoulder but was later discharged.