Tributes to James Cowton

'Hardest year' for road race fans

Dozens of tributes have been paid to James Cowton on social media.

Many fans have been struggling to come to terms with the death of a third well-known road racer in a matter of weeks.

It's only days since William Dunlop lost his life at the Skerries 100 meeting, whilst Dan Kneen died following an accident at Churchtown on the TT course during practicing this year. TT newcomer Adam Lyon was also killed during this year's TT Supersport event.

Posting on the Manx Radio TT Facebook, page one fan noted "I love road racing - but this year has been one of the hardest."

Organisers of the North West 200 have tweeted to say, "We just can’t believe that we are writing this twice in a week but our deepest sympathies this evening go to the partner, family, friends and team of James Cowton who died tonight after an accident at the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man.

We also send all of our best wishes to Ivan Lintin who is in a critical condition after the same crash."