Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals - Round 3, Broadford, VIC

Round 3 of the championship was cancelled, following a fatal accident at the Broadford circuit.

Close to the conclusion of the Pro Open practice & qualifying session, JDR Motorex KTM's Andrew 'Sharky' McFarlane, who had been running third fastest at the time, crashed heavily. McFarlane, a former World MX championship runner-up, suffered severe head injuries in the crash and despite the best efforts of on-site paramedics, was pronounced dead at the scene. Following consultation between the teams, riders and organizers, a decision was made to cancel the round. The meeting was concluded with a series of three tribute laps each for Pro Open, Pro Lite and Under 19 classes, led by JDR's other KTM riders, who all wore McFarlane's '7' number as a mark of respect for their fallen team mate.

McFarlane's funeral took place on May 17th at Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland, QLD. Cameron McFarlane has designed a logo in honour of his brother, and details of a trust fund to support Andrew's wife and daughter have been released.

Tye Simmonds, McFarlane's Pro Open team mate, will ride with McFarlane's #7 for the remainder of the 2010 season as a mark of respect.

JUST BIKES extends its sympathies to McFarlane's wife, Natalie, daughter Tayla, and the rest of McFarlane's family, friends and the JDR Motorex KTM team.


McFarlane's family support trust fund announced - UPDATE

JDR Motorex KTM Racing has announced details of a trust fund set up to support the family of Andrew McFarlane. All financial contributions, no matter how small, will be appreciated, to help build a foundation for Andrew's wife Natalie and daughter Tayla, who are left to carry on without their hero, husband and father.

Anyone can donate through a National Australia Bank branch. Donors need to put 'Andrew McFarlane' or 'JDR' as a reference. Account details are:
Bank: National Australia Bank
Name: PKF Trust Account
BSB: 082 055
Account Number: 51 637 2235
Swift Code: NATAAU3302

NOTE: Account number was incorrect on original post. Note updated number starts with '51' not '61' as originally posted.

Images:
Tye Simmonds leads the Pro Open riders on three tribute laps in honour of Andrew McFarlane.
Andrew McFarlane in action during Pro Open morning practise, only minutes before his fatal accident.
KTM riders (from left) P.J. Larsen Tye Simmonds, Josh Cachia and Ryan Marmont all wore McFarlane's '7' race number for the tribute laps.
WEM Staff and JDR Motorex KTM team members wave a 'final flag' in honour of Andrew McFarlane.