BSB: Ducati Cup rider Mick Whalley dies in Donington crash

A rider has died following a serious incident in today’s Ducati TriOptions Cup race at the opening round of the 2017 MCE British Superbike Championship.

Mick Whalley, from Sheppey in Kent, sustained serious injuries in a seven bike incident. He was immediately attended to by trackside medics before being taken to Queen’s Medical Centre Nottingham, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Another rider, Mike Honey, sustained serious leg injuries in the incident. The remainder of the day’s track activity was cancelled, but organisers have confirmed that Sunday’s schedule will go ahead as planned. 

A statement from event organiser MSVR and the circuit, Donington Park read:  

“The management of Donington Park race circuit and MSVR have to report that, following a multiple motorcycle accident during a race for the Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup, a support race to this weekend’s round of the MCE British Superbike Championship (April 1/2 2017). The rider of bike number 77, Mick Whalley of Sheppey, Kent suffered serious injuries.

“The race was immediately stopped and the and other riders involved were treated immediately trackside by the BSB Medical Team.

“It is with great regret that we have to announce that, following his transfer from the circuit, Mick Whalley succumbed to his injuries while undergoing further treatment at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham.

Mike Honey, number 34, sustained multiple leg injuries and is receiving treatment and further assessment at the same hospital.

MSVR and the staff at Donington Park, are now working with both the Leicestershire Police and the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board in order to investigate the full circumstances of this tragic accident.”

Motorcycle News joins the wider motorcycle racing community in wishing our deepest condolences to Mr Whalley’s family, team and friends.