NW200 Rider Kamil Holan Dies Following Qualifying Crash

The rider who tragically lost his life during qualifying at the 2026 North West 200 has been named as Kamil Holan.

The 48-year-old Czech rider died following an incident at Station Corner on the Triangle Circuit during Thursday morning’s Superbike qualifying session on May 7.

Race organisers initially withheld his identity after a request from his family. However, permission has now been granted for his name to be released publicly. His family have also expressed their wish for the event to continue.

First NW200 Fatality in a Decade

The tragedy marks the first rider fatality at the North West 200 in ten years.

The previous death at the event was English rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, who died following a crash during the Supertwins race in May 2016.

In total, 20 competitors have now lost their lives at the famous road racing event since racing began in 1939.

Event Schedule Adjusted Following Incident

Thursday morning’s qualifying session was immediately red-flagged following the incident, with emergency services attending the scene.

The evening schedule for the event has since been revised. Roads around the Triangle Circuit between Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine are still expected to close between 4.45pm and 9pm, however the planned races will now be replaced with additional qualifying sessions.

Organisers Issue Statement

A statement from the Coleraine and District Motor Club 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.

“Coleraine and District Motor Club, the organisers of the races, offer our sincere condolences to the family and team.”

One of Ireland’s Biggest Sporting Events

The North West 200 is Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event and attracts crowds of more than 100,000 spectators each year.

The races are held on public roads around the Triangle Circuit linking Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine along the Causeway Coast.