1 hour ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: iKapture Images, Andy Wigan
There’s not a person in the 15,000-strong crowd at Victoria’s Broadford MX track in March of 2000 who won’t remember the electric atmosphere when a KX500-mounted Andrew “Sharky” McFarlane holeshot the World 500cc Motocross GP and kept the world’s best riders in his dust for more than 20 minutes. It was, and always will be, a defining moment for Australian Motocross, and it typified McFarlane’s fighting spirit, national pride and can-do attitude of this multiple national MX and SX champion. How tragic that the venue which launched his illustrious international racing career in Europe and America, would also claim his life.
Sharky was a seasoned Pro and fierce competitor, but also a genuine, down-to-earth bloke who was widely admired for who he was on and off the track. He was part of a close-knit family that loved the sport, and he was never short of an opinion or a practical joke. And he was about to embark on the challenge of managing the JDR KTM team he raced for in 2009 and 2010.
Sharky leaves behind a great legacy for Australian Motocross and, sadly, a beautiful wife and daughter. We can only thankful for so many great memories by which we can remember his amazing life.
This Saturday, May 2, will mark 10 years since Australian MX/SX great, Andrew McFarlane, lost his life after crashing at the Broadford round of the 2010 Australian Motocross Championship in Victoria.
To mark the occasion and honour the man, Andrew McFarlane’s parents, Ron and Norma, and wife, Nat, have offered these words of reflection.
to the “Hall Of Fame”. We understand how difficult this process is and just hope one day we will see this happen.
We love you, our hero.
NAT McFARLANE…
Our hearts broke in a billion pieces the day we lost Andrew. Our world was ripped apart in the blink of an eye. Andrew has left a huge hole in our lives, but everyday Tayla and I strive to make our hero proud. Andrew was a true champion in every sense. But more importantly, he was so loved by everyone that surrounded him. He had the most infectious smile, cheeky personality and the kindest soul. Andrew was everything to us and we loved him unconditionally. He was the most amazing husband, soul mate, best friend and father. I truly had the fairytale that everyone dreams of.
The best years of my life were spent travelling the world with Andrew and bringing our beautiful daughter, Tayla, into the world. They are memories that I will treasure forever. His love for us girls was endless, and his family was everything to him. There is not one day that passes that we don’t miss him and wish he were here with us. Life is extremely hard without Andrew, but we are strong girls and I am blessed that Tayla has inherited all her father’s best qualities. She is a brave, kind-hearted, funny, and loyal young lady. Her strength amazes me every single day. She is my absolute world.
Tayla and I would like to thank our beautiful family and friends all over the world for all their continued love and support. We would be lost without you.
Forever
#SHARKY7
ANDREW McFARLANE – PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Started racing dirt track aged six in Brisbane
- Placed second in first season as an MX Senior
- 1995 – 125cc & 250cc Australian Supercross Champion (only person to win 125cc and 250cc class SX titles in same year)
- 1995 – 2nd 125cc Australian Motocross Championship
- 1997 – 4th Australian Motocross Championship
- 1998/99 – 3rd Australian Supercross Championship
- 1999/2000 – Australian Motocross Champion (as a privateer with dad, Ron, as mechanic and Star Yamaha backed)
- 2000 – Australian Supercross Masters Champion
- 2000 – Australian 250cc Thumper Nationals Champion
- 2000 – 4th at Broadford Rnd of World 500cc MX Championship GP
- 2001 – 7th 500cc World Motocross Championship
- 2002 – 8th 250cc World Motocross Championship
- 2003 – 6th 250cc World Motocross Championship
- 2004 – 4th 250cc World Motocross Championship
- 2005 – 2nd MX2 World Motocross Championship
- 2006/07/08 – 7th, 13th, 15th AMA MX Championship
- 2009/2010 – JDR Motorsport Motorex KTM team
More on Andrew “Sharky” McFarlane
ANDREW MCFARLANE TRIBUTE VIDEO
WEM and MA Remember Andrew McFarlane
We thank Transmoto for the article in memory of Andrew McFarlane