OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: JohnnyO on May 02, 2010, 12:04:10 pm

Title: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: JohnnyO on May 02, 2010, 12:04:10 pm
I've just heard some terrible news that Andrew Macfarlane has died in a crash at the Broadford Nationals today.
Absolude tragedy
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: suzuki43 on May 02, 2010, 12:11:12 pm
Oh F**K!!!!
Rest In Peace young fella.
I will never forget his race at the first Broadford 500 MX GP.That was a great moment in Australian MX history when he lead most of the first race on the hybrid KX 500.
Condolences to his family.
The world really does suck some times....
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: firko on May 02, 2010, 12:15:55 pm

Fu*k....What a tragedy!!. I was with Suzuki43 at that GP and can only agree. He rode his balls off on an "obsolete" KX500.  I met him a few times through ADB and found him to be a good bloke. 
Rest easy Andrew we all grieve for you.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: motomaniac on May 02, 2010, 12:21:25 pm
Yes  I recieved a SMS from my mate who's there a few minutes ago. He crashed in practice.Can't imagine what could have happened. Total tragedy.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: huskibul on May 02, 2010, 12:27:39 pm
  Thats Shocking new's! what a great ambassador he was for this country , R.I.P hard charger
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: Mick D on May 02, 2010, 12:43:18 pm
Sad, very sad. That just totally suxs.

Ironic, I have had Bruce Macfarlane on my mind the last couple of days(receiving goods donated towards his family fund).

How mortal we all are, and how short it is?

time for me to shut it all down for a while, in liu of some quality time.

God speed and rest in peace young fella.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: TM BILL on May 02, 2010, 01:45:38 pm
http://www.fullnoise.com.au/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_full&News_id=7503&Ntitle=Motocross: RIP: Andrew McFarlane&cfid=11018337&cftoken=12044998&dts=25201040110

Terrrible tradgedy condolences to Andrews family & friends
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: John Orchard on May 02, 2010, 02:13:19 pm
Terrible news!   :o
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: NR555 on May 02, 2010, 02:15:20 pm
Just got back from the track.  The incident happened right at the end of the Pro Open practice.  I knew something was up when the air ambos arrived, then the cops showed up.

It was an eerie feeling being there, was very quiet & subdued.  Everyone was just milling around waiting for news.

In the end, Kevin Williams left it to the riders to decide to race or not.  They all had a private meeting and canned it for the day.  I think it was a good move.  Full marks to Kevin and his team, they did a great job in the most tragic of circumstances.

Each class did 3 laps in Andrew's honour, with all the KTM team bikes running the number 7 plate.

It's a real pity it ended this way for Andrew, he set that place alight 10 years ago.  RIP :(

Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: SAABCOMBI on May 02, 2010, 02:21:32 pm
That is very sad news, how did it happen.  my condolence to the family and friends  RIP david
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: KB171 on May 02, 2010, 02:26:24 pm
Sad to hear the news RIP
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: NR555 on May 02, 2010, 02:52:47 pm
Not good at all , was the track the same layout as for the VMX nats , or did it get SXed again ?

Not at all, I'm surprised his accident occurred where it did.  It was on quite a small tabletop with a gentle downramp out in the upper left corner of the track.  I have no idea what happened, to be honest, although they would have been going at a fair clip in that section of the track.

They were running the track backwards, and I was thinking when I got there that it would be more than rideable on an old bike.  There were no nasty jumps on it.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: suzuki27 on May 02, 2010, 02:53:43 pm
How very sad. RIP Sharky.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: dave king on May 02, 2010, 02:57:45 pm
totaly gutted. Andrew was a GP legend.   RIP.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: mxmaniac on May 02, 2010, 03:02:50 pm
My throat has never recovered from the screaming whilst he was showing the rest of the world the way in 2000..
He is a true legend of my era..
"Only the good die young"
Thanks Andrew
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: tony27 on May 02, 2010, 03:24:12 pm
Sad news indeed, Sharky never came across as 1 of the self obsessed types that seem to think we should all be worshipping them like a lot of current riders
RIP, the world will be poorer for your passing
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: All Things 414 on May 02, 2010, 04:16:46 pm
Very sad news.  :(
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: DR on May 02, 2010, 04:33:10 pm
My sympathy to all involved. Godspeed Andrew.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: JC on May 02, 2010, 04:39:45 pm
WE all dread these tragedies. Thankyou for the memories Andrew
Brings back equally sad memories of JP
Such terrible loss
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: ride red on May 02, 2010, 06:20:37 pm
a true legend of our sport , on and off the track . showed the world how to do it in 2000 . get a kx 250, put a kx 500 motor in it , put Andrew Mcfarlane on it , and just let some of the best riders in the world try and catch him . they never had a chance . RIP sharky .
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: mx250 on May 02, 2010, 07:20:57 pm
A great tragedy.  My thoughts are with his friends and family. RIP Andew, and thanks for the great memories you gave us.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: allan hughes on May 02, 2010, 07:24:19 pm
oh my god i met him at stanmore like a month ago
rest in peace buddy
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: VMX247 on May 02, 2010, 07:29:44 pm
You are and always will be a fantastic Australian Ambassador.
Heart felt sympathy to family and friends.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: mxmaniac on May 02, 2010, 07:48:31 pm
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll133/mxmaniac05/Sharky.jpg)
R.I.P Sharky #88
A photo taken by mum at  world gp in 2000 at Broadford
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: NR555 on May 02, 2010, 08:05:25 pm
His last interview, filmed yesterday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC8LfihnbGk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC8LfihnbGk)

He did some fast laps before he came off, the place obviously suited him.  He had posted 4th fastest time.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: VMX247 on May 02, 2010, 08:38:23 pm
Andrew McFarlane
10 years after making his World Motocross GP debut at Broadford, Victoria, JDR Motorex KTM rider, Andrew McFarlane, will return to the State Motorcycle Sports Complex on 2 May for the third round of the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals.

Scoring a wildcard ride at the World MX GP round held at Broadford in 2000, McFarlane put the field of experienced World Championship riders on notice leading for the majority of the race before finishing in third place.

Having secured an international factory ride, the Brisbane local then spent a year based in Italy, riding the World MX GP Circuit before returning to Australia for the Broadford GP round in 2001, this time going one better and placing second to 10 times World Champion, Stefan Everts.

Although currently placed fifth in the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, McFarlane is looking forward to returning to the Broadford circuit.

“I’m really looking forward to the next round but I’m interested to see how the circuit will run in reverse!”  McFarlane said.

“Tracks are usually designed with one direction in mind so I’m interested to see how it works.

“I haven’t won a race this season yet, however I’m still in the points chase and I feel confident that I’ll be up on the podium soon.

“Riding the two World GP rounds at Broadford was an amazing experience – having a World GP event in your home country was phenomenal and became the most amazing opportunity for me to race at the next level.”

After carving up tracks on two wheels for more than 27 years, 2010 looks set to be McFarlane’s last year as a competitive racer, with the KTM rider keen to step back and help guide and develop younger riders and share his experiences with them.

“I’d always had a dream to race for a World Championship and the Broadford GP gave me that opportunity,” he said.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my career – I’ve raced in Russia, all over Europe, Japan, and the Unites States, it’s been an awesome experience and after 27 years I have a lot of knowledge and experience to share.

“It’s great to see the younger guys stepping up – they are probably a bit more fearless in their riding style whereas I know my limits now!

“It was funny when I realised I’d been riding a bike well before some of these guys were even born!  – At the first round this year I had ‘27 years’ written on my pants and my teammate Tye Simmonds asked me what it meant.

“I explained what it was and his response was ‘Dude!  You’ve been riding longer than I’ve been alive!’, now whenever he sees me he says ‘hey old man’ so now I call him ‘young pup’ but there’s a lot of respect there.

“It’ll definitely be the end of an era when I hang the boots up but I’m happy with the career I’ve had.”
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: mudguard on May 02, 2010, 08:45:04 pm
OMG. Just heard the terrible news, and could only mumble, "no way, no way, no way". Our sport has lost an ambassador who showed the world the Aussie spirit. Condolences go out to Andrew's family & friends. Rest in Peace in MX Heaven Sharky.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: SUZUKI311 on May 02, 2010, 08:51:32 pm
i was fortunate enough to be helping out one of the regular pro lites riders in the late 90's/early 00's, and would talk to Andrew McFarlane and his father regularly at the track or motels where we stayed. Always honest, never pretentious,  and very hard working are the memories i have of him. i can still remember him pitting out of his van, working on his semi privateer Yamahas with only his fahers help,battling every week -both sx and mx-with the likes of Ando, Chad, Burner, Cam Taylor and Shane Metcalfe to name but a  few.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: PB20 on May 02, 2010, 09:21:40 pm
Sharky cross rutted a takeoff and went in head first 3rd or 4th gear wfo head injury, possibly dead on impact.

He had 5 races to go before moving into team management...unbelievable.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=12368784&id=770850483#!/group.php?gid=115452015155550
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: vmxrider on May 02, 2010, 09:49:42 pm
Like many others here I will never forget his spine chilling performance at Broadford in 2000 against the worlds best. My hair stood on end that day and was so proud of this aussie and proud to be an aussie. Such tragic tragic news, and with retirement so close and to survive unscathed after such a great career in a dangerous sport its just doesn't seem fair to lose his life on a relative safe track. Condolences to his his family and friends, R.I.P. Andrew.      
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: Tim754 on May 02, 2010, 10:32:57 pm
Sad sad another fine rider and person joins the Gods of Speed way to early. I grieve for Andrews family and friends.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: dave king on May 03, 2010, 04:08:24 am
just back from a twinshock meeting in southwest england and cant say i have ever heard so mant people upset about andrews death.  Such a nice guy .
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: floberts on May 03, 2010, 08:44:03 am
I just read about this in today's paper, I can't believe it. I have been reading about him in ADB since the early nineties when I first started riding. He was the same age as me too.

Really sad for his family.

R.I.P
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: GMC on May 03, 2010, 08:59:13 am
I called into the track briefly yesterday morning to drop some stuff off, it looked a big meeting. I don’t get out to many moderns these days and I was thinking how good it was for the moderns to have good showing.
This was also the event that should have been at the “Bool”, fate works in mysterious ways.
The news filters out quickly these days with the news reaching us at a club day near Ballarat, didn’t want to believe it at first.

I too have fond memories of his ride at the Broadford GP. He did us all proud when in front of the worlds best he nearly ran away with it (along with Byner)
In fact, I reckon if it hadn’t start raining half way through that first Moto making the track turn slick he would have taken it all the way to the end.

Yes, he was a good ambassador for us.

My condolences to his family and friends
RIP Andrew
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: STW996 on May 03, 2010, 09:55:46 am
Yes a sad day indeed, a great rider that loved what he did and gave us some great memories.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: NR555 on May 03, 2010, 09:57:17 am
Good article on Andrew from Geoff Meyer - http://www.mxlarge.com/news/3684-andrew-mcfarlane-an-australian-motocross-legend (http://www.mxlarge.com/news/3684-andrew-mcfarlane-an-australian-motocross-legend)
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: VMX247 on May 03, 2010, 09:17:17 pm
Quote fullnoise..does anyone know where the Kawasaki is now  ???
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll133/mxmaniac05/Sharky.jpg)
R.I.P Sharky #88
A photo taken by mum at  world gp in 2000 at Broadford
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: holeshot buddy on May 03, 2010, 10:02:20 pm
terrible news such a great rider one of our
best, we have lost a true aussie legend.

and vmx247 yes that bike is still around
and geoff is right he would have smoked the 4 bangers
 if it had not got wet
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: E74 on May 03, 2010, 10:37:08 pm
I spoke to My mate Benny today who spannered for Andrew last season when riding for MXRAD, he said that Andrew had a very nasty head injury last year which put him out for some time, he seems to think that there might have been something underlying from before which was triggered by this accident, absolutely horrible all the same,... :(
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: ba-02-xr on May 04, 2010, 08:16:35 am
I was racing in Narrabri north NSW when we found out :'(. Yes new travells very fast in our MX comunity. Brings back memoris of Joel Elliot. Head injuries must be treated with care. RIP.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: firko on May 04, 2010, 10:23:10 am
Quote
I spoke to My mate Benny today who spannered for Andrew last season when riding for MXRAD, he said that Andrew had a very nasty head injury last year which put him out for some time, he seems to think that there might have been something underlying from before which was triggered by this accident, absolutely horrible all the same,...
I was talking to another person in the know last night (a rider) who told me the same story, that last years accident damage was allegedly worse than Andrew had let on and that it was entirely possible that Sundays tragic accident may have exaspirated the existing injury. The coroner will get to the real causes of Sharkys death so it's probably unfair of us to speculate too much.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: allan hughes on May 04, 2010, 04:14:44 pm
WENT TO KILCOY MX MONDAY
 ONE MINUTE SILENCE HELD
AT START OF PRACTICE
R.I.P. NUMBER 7
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: mxmaniac on May 04, 2010, 05:32:05 pm
Anthony from powerhouse motorcycles is a kawy nut and i think he was looking at purchasing it a while ago ???  A bike we would all love to own!
Hopefully Anthony got it, as it would be in one of the best sets of kawy hands around
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: 090 on May 04, 2010, 05:53:37 pm
Anthony from powerhouse motorcycles is a kawy nut and i think he was looking at purchasing it a while ago ???  A bike we would all love to own!
Hopefully Anthony got it, as it would be in one of the best sets of kawy hands around
Saw a PowerHouse van up in SE Qld today.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: JohnnyO on May 04, 2010, 06:04:25 pm

Anthony from powerhouse motorcycles is a kawy nut and i think he was looking at purchasing it a while ago ???  A bike we would all love to own!
Hopefully Anthony got it, as it would be in one of the best sets of kawy hands around
Saw a PowerHouse van up in SE Qld today.

I think the Dyno tuning shop in Nerang is called Powerhouse, could be from there.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: JohnnyO on May 04, 2010, 08:01:17 pm
Details of Andrews funeral are now up on the Fullnoise website.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: JohnnyO on April 13, 2011, 06:35:52 pm
Very sad news about Broomy, it came as a shock as i hadn't even heard he was sick.
RIP

Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: SAABCOMBI on April 13, 2011, 06:46:42 pm
Very sad indeed, Its news we done like to here, RIP
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: Lozza on April 13, 2011, 07:04:13 pm
Geez 35 that is very sad.
God Speed Paul.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: whitey 43 on April 14, 2011, 05:45:25 pm
Same nasty disease that got the late great Donny Schmidt...
R.I.P Broomy...
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: shortshifter on April 15, 2011, 03:53:20 pm
Yes Lozza any age is too young to go but 35??Condolences to family and friends.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: QLD779 on May 03, 2012, 08:05:43 am
Is there truth to the rumour that it was his neck brace that caused his tragic death?

RIP A.M.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: VMX247 on May 03, 2012, 10:26:29 am
Is there truth to the rumour that it was his neck brace that caused his tragic death?

RIP A.M.

No he'd had older injuries before hand.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: VMX247 on May 02, 2013, 09:36:47 am
I've just heard some terrible news that Andrew Macfarlane has died in a crash at the Broadford Nationals today.
Absolude tragedy

I remember this day at Collie when we heard the news..Remembering you Andrew today.RIP
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: firko on May 02, 2013, 09:50:30 am
Sharky is still missed by our sport...it was an unexpected tragedy.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: SUZUKI311 on May 02, 2013, 06:06:56 pm
While everyone always jumps on the bandwagon of how god he/she was etc when someone passes away unexpectedly, Andrew McFarlane truly was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, humble and gracious to all he came across. Gone way to soon, and the world is poorer for his passing.
Title: Re: Andrew Macfarlane
Post by: brad747 on May 03, 2013, 06:53:48 pm
RIP SHARKY, would just like to say I traveled to England in 2005 to watch the world MX championship at Matchems Park a very sandy track down the south, At the time my hero was micheal Pichon and all i wanted was his autograph and he wouldnt come out of his big camper van to see me but Sharky came out and had a good chat to me and was just so friendly and was so surprised to have aussies cheering him on that day! he came 2nd in the first race and won the second race in very tough conditions! Anyway thanx to you sharky for making my day that day :) RIP