Four-time British Superbike champion Keith Farmer has died suddenly aged just 35. Farmer announced himself as one of the very best in the Superbike arena, having won the Superstock 600 title and National Superstock 1000cc in 2011, 2012 and 2018.
His sudden and tragic death was confirmed on Thursday, in a statement on Facebook from his brother, David. 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."
Tributes poured in for the Superbike star, most notably from fellow driver Glenn Irwin who described Farmer as a 'great rival'. Taking to Twitter, he posted a photo of the pair sharing a podium along with the caption: "The day 3 mad Irish men locked out the podium.
"2011 you were my fierce rival winning the stock 600 title. I remember when PBM snapped you up, sure you would go all the way to the top with birdys then GP team. That’s how good you were, pure raw talent."
Farmer formerly drove for road racing team TAS Racing, and the Northern Ireland-based setup took to social media to pay tribute. In a statement from team principal Philip Neil, he said everybody on the team had been left 'absolutely devastated'.
The statement read: "Speaking on behalf of everyone at TAS Racing and our commercial partners, we are absolutely devastated with the loss of Keith. We enjoyed many happy memories together both within racing and on a personal level as Keith had remained a close friend of the team.
"His talent was undeniable and although his successes were many, including a memorable Superstock championship win with Tyco BMW in 2018, I will always feel like we never actually witnessed Keith's full potential on a superbike - as he was so often hampered by injury or bad luck.
"We would like to join the rest of the motorcycling community in passing on our deepest sympathies to Keith's family and friends."
