Pukekohe Raceway fatal crash (9 March)

**Marknz** · 10th March 2008, 12:22

Originally Posted by SixPackBack

I understand and respect your veiws SHELRACING, but ask yourself if this had happened at MotoGP or Superbikes would racing have continued? I think not!

Back to the thread....................

Last time someone was killed as a result of an accident in MotoGP (Kato, Suzuka 2003), they kept the race going (not even a red flag), let alone cancel the meeting. I'm not saying it's right... just answering your question.

RIP to the fallen two, and condolencenses to the families.

But hey, that's motorcycle racing. I was in the thick of if at Manfield with Derek when Owen left us. I'm sure both Derek and Phil would have wanted the meeting to carry on yesterday.

Stay safe folks, and be cool.

**NodMan:Me** · 10th March 2008, 12:34

Originally Posted by Speedie

RIP you two fellas.

Yeah I was there, saw the whole thing about to happen and could do nothing to warn Derek of Phil's slow bike in front of him, then the tragedy unfolded in front of me.
We were in the ambulance and trackside with the two of them in about 20 seconds. I'm so sorry that there was nothing we could do more for you two boys.

If it makes any difference to anyone that knows them, they didnt suffer at all.

RIP

RIP Derek and Phil. you will be sadly missed by so many, condolences to both families.
(thinking of you speedi and all who witnessed it today, I know there is nothing else that could be done)

pegs down and ride safe everyone

**fireball** · 10th March 2008, 12:38

i would like to say thanks to the 600cc guys that were out on the track, i know it wouldnt of been easy to ride past, but we all did the best we could.

**SixPackBack** · 10th March 2008, 12:55

Originally Posted by Marknz

Last time someone was killed as a result of an accident in MotoGP (Kato, Suzuka 2003), they kept the race going (not even a red flag), let alone cancel the meeting. I'm not saying it's right... just answering your question.

This time the race was stopped and two people [god rest their souls] left this mortal coil. Had two people died at MotoGP or Superbikes the uproar would still be ringing in our collective ears, and off hand comments like 'that's racing' would not dare be uttered.
As to whether Derek and Phil would want racing to continue as they looked down on families and friends in mind numbing despair, the depths of which are only felt a few times in a life time.....well?....we cannot make that call we don't know what they wanted and never will!

**scrivy** · 10th March 2008, 14:26

As a racer - if I was to die at the track, I for one would want the racing to continue. You cant turn back the time, and you shouldn't burden more people with the devastating consequences of racing.

**poplar_pete** · 10th March 2008, 14:40

My heart goes out to anybody involved be it family, spectators, marshalls etc and may the boys R.I.P.

**Tony.OK** · 10th March 2008, 14:41

RIP Boys

...............

**White trash** · 10th March 2008, 14:51

Thoughts are with the good folks Phil and Derek leave behind.

I was lucky enough to have a little to do with Phil in recent months, from the day he turned up at the VMCC Winter series on his bright pink Gixxer 1K, then on Waitangi day he spent the day with the WBP team testing his new 600. All weekend he was constantly pooping over to our pit to chat about how we were going and what was going on. Thoughts are with his family and also the HardOnRacing team who Phil raced with.

Derek I didnt know that well but remember him as an all round nice guy of motorcycling. Always aggreeing to the thankless job of riders rep throughout the winter series and a man who lived for his bike racing.

There's a hole left in our sport rom this tradgedy.

RIP guys.

**Biggles08** · 10th March 2008, 15:07

Phil was an awesome character. He had a way about him that made me respect him immediately after he had introduced himself to me. He struck me as a guy who would do anything to make things better for you. Recently he had come over to my place on a few occasions to measure up my ZX6R for crash bungs (3b's) and to have a general chin wag. He was so excited about getting into racing and was trying to convince me to as well; explaining how much safer the track is considering my recent accident I had on the road. He had both his children with him when he came over...I'm just completely stunned at this news.

To Phills loved ones, I have no words to give you that is likely to help. I pray that you feel some sense of calm about you as you try and deal with your loss. Phil was a great guy who was so passionate about life and especially bikes. Rest in peace knowing you have touched at least one life... I appreciated the input you gave me with my bike and I will miss your friendliness you always showed.

heres an email I recently got from him...

"hey marcus, have you managed to get the beast out yet,& hows the body coping with having a lazy afternoon,lol,
phil"

God bless you Phil.

**bikerboy011** · 10th March 2008, 15:09

Rest in peace fallen riders.

**adamh** · 10th March 2008, 16:50

R.I.P guys

**jellywrestler** · 10th March 2008, 17:03

we've all lost a part of our motorcycling comradeship here, tis a shame.

The risks are there, there's no doubt about that, and while its hard to justify the price Derek and Phil have paid they all knew it was there.
When one buys a $5 dollar meal the rewards, like the cost, is different to when one buys a $35 meal. Its the same with a sport that has the risks that motorcycle racing has. The investment these guys made in their sport was bigger than many other pastimes, the rewards were bigger too, both in terms of the charge they got on the track and the friendships that were made along the way. That's why they were there; and why we all choose to grab hold of something with known risks.
Their was no callousness in continueing the racing that day whatsoever, to those who feel this way get off your computer and go for a ride and think of it as the link between driving a car and flying through the skies. Think of these guys and all the others who've met their end enjoying themselves on a ride too and remind yourself that you are richer for knowing these people at their best, and richer too for being able to look back on them after they're gone; despite the pain of losing them, and still smile. It'll make your life and your attitudes to your Motorcycling mates a bit better I'm sure and then you'll realise why we're all riding and why they kept on racing that day.

I'm happy to have known Derek personally and enjoyed his company as many others have too, I'm unhappy but still strong enough to turn to our mates and be happy that we all knew him with a smile on my dial.
to both Derek's and Phil's friends and families take care.

spyda

**Pex Adams** · 10th March 2008, 17:12

RIP Brothers - To the families and Friends Kia Kaha...

**quallman1234** · 10th March 2008, 17:20

Talked to derek a couple times. Great guy he was, although didn't know him that much.

Rest In peace mate. - Hard to take in.

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/...ult.aspx#video