BSB: Keith Farmer has died

Four-time British Champion Keith Farmer has died at the age of 35.

Farmer retired from racing during the 2021 season, bringing an end to a hugely successful career within the Bennetts British Superbike Championship paddock.

Farmer clinched the Superstock 600 crown in 2011 with his own team, before moving into the Superstock 1000 class with Paul Bird the following year. Remarkably, Farmer won the title at the first attempt, taking five wins and eight podiums on his Kawasaki. He ended the year 50 points clear of Jason O’Halloran.

Bird promoted Farmer into his Superbike team the following year, however the duo parted company before the end of season. A switch to PR Racing followed in 2014, and Farmer secured his one and only BSB podium at Brands Hatch (3^rd).

Farmer showed once more that he was a true all-rounder in 2017 by winning the British Supersport title with Appleyard Macadam Yamaha. Farmer stepped in for the injured Luke Jones and took full advantage of the opportunity with nine victories and 14 podiums, pipping Andrew Irwin to top spot by 13 points.

As a result, Farmer returned to the Superstock 1000 class the following year with TAS Racing onboard the BMW S1000RR. Once again, Farmer showcased his talent and ability by securing the championship for a second time.

Four victories and nine podiums saw the ‘Clogher Bullet’ end the season with an advantage of 10.5 points over Billy McConnell.

He was rewarded with a return to the Superbike class with the team and started the year positively with six top 10 finishes in the first four rounds. However, Farmer’s season came to a premature end when he broke both legs in a qualifying accident at Knockhill.

More bad luck followed in 2020. Farmer remained in the Superbike class, this time with Buildbase Suzuki, but crashed during qualifying at the opening round at Donington Park. Farmer sustained a serious arm injury which hampered his season.

Left without a full-time ride in 2021, Farmer joined iForce Lloyd and Jones BMW in the Superbike class during the year. Two crashes at Silverstone led to him making the decision to retire. Farmer had always intended to step away from racing at the end of that season.

Our thoughts are with Keith Farmer’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.