NW200 UPDATE: Ryan Farquhar described as '˜seriously ill' after crash

The incident happened on the approach to Black Hill at the blind right-hander on the run uphill from Dhu Varren bridge.

Farquhar sustained chest and pelvic injuries and was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast by PSNI helicopter.

An official statement issued by the organisers after 9pm on Thursday night said his condition was ‘stable’ and not life-threatening.

However, BBC Northern Ireland later reported that the Belfast Trust described his condition as ‘seriously ill’.

Cooper was taken to Coleraine Hospital by ambulance with shoulder injuries.

The Supertwins race had been re-started following a delay due to a fire at a house at Station Corner in Portstewart.

A statement from the organisers said: “Ryan Farquhar (40) from Dungannon is being taken by PSNI helicopter to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast with chest and pelvic injuries.

“Dan Cooper, one of the two riders involved in the crash during the Supertwins race at the Vauxhall International North West 200 tonight, has been take to Causeway hospital, Coleraine by ambulance.

“Cooper (28), from Stroud, has sustained shoulder injuries.

“Both riders are in a stable condition and neither has life-threatening injuries.”

Three races were planned on Thursday evening, including the first Supersport and Superstock events, but only the Supersport race was fully completed.

The Superstock race may now be carried over to Saturday’s programme.

Ivan Lintin was declared the winner of the shortened Supertwins race from James Hillier and Jeremy McWilliams.