Mick Whalley dies in Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup race

Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup rider Mick Whalley has died following injuries sustained in an accident during a race at Donington Park, in a support race to the MCE British Superbike championship.

The incident happened during the opening feature race of the Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup when Whalley from Sheppey in Kent and a number of other riders came off.

A joint statement from the management of Donington Park race circuit and MSVR 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 he 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."

A second rider, Mike Honey, who was also in the accident has sustained serious injuries and is in care at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham.

The statement continued: "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."

Crash.net's thoughts are with Mick Whalley's family at this time.