Gary Jess

Saturday, 17 August, 2002 saw one of Northern Ireland's top road racers killed at the Dundrod racing circuit in County Antrim.

Gary Jess, 31, from Moira in County Down, was involved in a crash with another rider during Saturday's Ulster Grand Prix. He died at the scene.The accident happened at a section of the circuit known as the Deer's Leap, just before Cochranestown, after the start of the opening lap of the Superbike race.The other rider was taken to hospital with a leg injury.

  Earlier in the day, Gary Jess had finished second in both the 600cc Production Class and 400cc races.Northern Ireland Sports Minister Michael McGimpsey, who was at the race, described the incident as a tragedy.He said it highlighted the need for safety improvements. Our prayers are with the family. It is always awful when something like this happens, he said."This is a dangerous sport, and we're aware of that. One of the ingredients of this sport for spectators and riders alike is the fact that it's very fast and therefore by definition, dangerous. It requires a high degree of courage as well as talent and skill. It emphasises the absolute need that we have to ensure that we make these circuits as safe as we possibly can for the riders involved.

The Superbike race, the third on the race menu, was delayed for an hour while emergency services dealt with the accident.The accident happened on the 80th anniversary of racing at Dundrod.

  Last year, a flag marshal was killed during the Ulster Grand Prix. Gerald Allaway, 56, from Comber, County Down, was killed when he was hit by a rider who fell off his bike at a chicane during the fourth race.Three years ago, the circuit claimed the life of rider Owen McNally.

These words were taken from a local paper.