FOUR-TIME British motorcycle champion Keith Farmer has passed away aged 35.
Farmer, known as the Clogher Bullet, passed away suddenly, his brother David announced on Thursday.
David 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.”
Farmer, who was based in Cumbria, was described as “pure raw talent” whose motorsport career was hampered by injury and bad luck.
He had retired from racing in September 2021, after battling injury for the final few years of his career, and was looking forward to spending time with his family.
At the time of his retirement, Keith told the News Letter: “I just feel the time is right now because the enjoyment’s not there any more and my body needs the chance to heal from the injuries I’ve had over these past couple of years.
“I’ve another baby due in five weeks’ time and my other youngest daughter is turning five in December, plus I’ve my eldest daughter back in Northern Ireland.
“I want to walk away now when I can rather than keeping going for the sake of it, and I want to spend more time with my family.”
Four-time British champ Farmer competed for BSB, Paul Bird Motorsport, Buildbase Suzuki and TAS Racing, with the latter describing his passing as “absolute devastation”.
Team principal Philip Neill offered his sympathies to Farmer’s family and friends, saying: “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.”
The British Superbike Championship say Farmer will be remembered fondly by his rivals.
The organisation said: “Keith will be terribly missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting him throughout his career.
“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.”
Glenn Irwin, British Superbike rider, described him as his “fierce rival”.
Sharing a picture on Twitter of the pair on a podium, he added: “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.”
