Eden-based four times British motorcycle racing champion Keith Farmer has died suddenly aged just 35.
Farmer, who lived in Penrith and worked for Waitings Ltd civil engineering firm at Cliburn, retired from racing in September 2021.
The Northern Irishman won the National Superstock 600 title in 2011, and Superstock 1000cc successes followed in 2012 and 2018, while he also won the British Supersport title in 2017.
During his career, he competed for some of the most prominent teams in British superbikes, including the Langwathby-based Paul Bird Motorsport team, Buildbase Suzuki and TAS Racing.
As well as participating in the superbikes support championships, Farmer raced regularly in the feature series.
When he announced his retirement, he had had been competing in the National Superstock Championship and had been offered a ride in the superbike class by iForce Lloyd & Jones BMW during 2021.
He said he decided to retire earlier than planned because of what he described as “two relatively big crashes”.
“I have had a tough year but that’s just racing. I have realised that it is time to walk away,” he said. “I’ve had 10 good years of racing in the BSB paddock, riding for some of the best teams. I count myself extremely lucky to have been given these opportunities and with these I have won four British titles.”
The British Superbike Championship said it was saddened to hear of the passing of a respected and deeply popular rider.
“Keith will be terribly missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting him throughout his career,” a spokesman said.
“He was a brilliant and successful rider on track, who will be fondly remembered by his rivals, colleagues and fans following today’s tragic news.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his friends and family members and in particular his children. Rest in peace Keith.”
His brother, David, said Keith died in the early hours of Thursday with his family by his side. Paying tribute on Facebook, he wrote: “I’m lost for words our little brother left us at 1.45 this morning with us all by his side. Life will never be the same again, he made us all so proud and he will be very sorely missed. Love you Meekie #33.”
The PBM Ducati Superbikes team, owned by Langwathby-based Paul Bird, for whom Farmer won a championship several years ago, said: “Everyone at PBM is deeply saddened by the passing of Keith Farmer. We send our condolences to his family and friends who remain in our thoughts.”
As well as being backed by his employers, Waitings, Farmer was supported over the years by Penrith-based Arragon’s Cycle Centre and Fit4Racing, and Hillcroft Park, Pooley Bridge.
