TRAIL ZONE

TRAIL BOSS BLOG:

REST IN PEACE ANDREW 'SHARKY' McFARLANE

The news from last Sunday's round of the Rockstar Australian MXNationals at Broadford, Victoria, was horrible:

"JDR Motorsports KTM team rider Andrew McFarlane had suffered fatal injuries in a crash in practice."

It's the news no-one ever wants to learn ... it was the same when Jono Porter passed away at an Aussie Motocross title race in Queensland ... and when Andy Caldecott passed away in the Dakar Rally.

It's simply tragic, saddening news and nothing prepares you for it.

Sharky was one of the real legends and good guys of the Aussie dirt bike scene, who worked hard at his trade with family and friends that backed him every step of the way.

He was the Aussie minibike riding kid who went all the way to the top, winning state and national titles here at home in Australia, before graduating to the world scene with no less a powerhouse than the pinnacle Rinaldi Yamaha team in Italy and eventually finishing second in the World Motocross Championships.

From there his career took him to the USA, before he and wife Natalie and baby Tayla returned home to OZ to race with the JDR Motorsports team, with this season set to be his final year of full-time racing before moving into a management roll with the JDR team.

Here at TRAIL ZONE we crossed trails with Sharky plenty of times over the years -- and he was ever the consummate professional elite athlete.

To all of Sharky's family and friends and his legions of fans all around the world, we extend ourdeepest sympathies and condolences -- and in particular to Natalie's mum, Narelle, who hosted us on many a visit to the sunshine state.

Rest in peace Andrew 'Sharky' McFarlane.

* Note: Andrew McFarlane's funeral details have been announced: Cleveland Baptist Church, 240 Bloomfield Street, Celeveland, Brisbane, Australia, on Monday, May 17, 11am