THe Official Yamaha Press release I recieved yesterday
Vale Andrew McFarlane
Yamaha Motor Australia, on behalf of Yamaha-Motor Corporation and its associated race teams around the world, wish to pass on their condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the McFarlane family after the tragic passing of Andrew McFarlane.
During his 27 years as a motocross racer, McFarlane represented the brand at a professional level throughout the world and raced at the highest levels. Andrew was an athlete held in the highest esteem among the Yamaha family and his passing is a great loss to the motocross community in general.
“I am stunned and saddened by the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McFarlane family at this time and Yamaha expresses its deepest sympathy to the entire family. Motocross has lost a true competitor and a true professional,” said Yamaha Managing Director, Steven Cotterell.
Yamaha wishes to pass on our sincerest and best wishes to Ron, Norma, Cameron, Wendy, Natalie and Tayla and hope you find celebration in Andrew’s life.
Rest In Peace
AM #7.
TRIBUTES
CRAIG DACK – CDR ROCKSTAR YAMAHA
“I can still recall that day in Broadford back in 2000 when Andrew took on the world. His effort made every Australian at the track stand up and cheer. The first 20 minutes of the opening moto made for one of the best atmospheres I have ever experienced at a motocross event, all because of the efforts of Andrew and his desire to succeed.
“His loss as a friend, competitor and rider on the Australian scene is huge and he will long be remembered as pioneer of Australian motocross and a popular rider within his peers.”
RAY HOWARD – YAMAHA MOTORSPORT MANAGER
“The atmosphere and the look in the riders’ eyes last Sunday said it all. Andrew’s death was devastating to all and leaves an un-fillable hole in the motocross landscape. He was dedicated, professional, talented and determined; all that assets that fuel a competitor to a level so few achieve.
“On behalf of our race teams, we are honored to have worked with Andrew, proud of his achievements and gutted by his death. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the McFarlane family.”
ANDREW McFARLANE BIO
Nick name: Sharky
Date of Birth: 5/30/1977
Hometown (city and state): Brisbane, QLD
Height: 1.76 cm
Weight: 80 kg
Home track: Coolum, QLD
How many years riding: 27
Career Highlights: Second world GP, seven-time Des Nation Rep
Results MX 2009: Third
Bike raced in 2010 MX: KTM 450
Riding number for 2010 MX: 7
Team Manager: Jay Rynenberg
Mechanic: Ron McFarlane
First bike: Honda 50
Favorite track: Red Bud
Heroes: Jeremy McGrath
Strengths: Fitness, Starts
Weaknesses: None
If you weren’t riding Motocross, what would you be doing: Some type of motorsport
Toughest Competition: Myself
ANDREW McFARLANE PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGH LIGHTS
* Started racing dirt track aged six in Brisbane
* Placed second in first season as an MX senior
* Only person to win 125 and 250 class SX in same year
* 1999 Australian MX champion (as a privateer with dad as mechanic and Star Yamaha backed)
* 2000 SX Masters champ
* 2000 3rd at Broadford MXGP
* 2001 2nd at Broadford MXGP
* Five years in Europe, highlight was second overall in MX2 2005 with Rinaldi Yamaha
* Race for factory Yamaha/ Kawasaki / KTM and Suzuki teams around the world.
* 27 year race career
