Andrew “Sharky” McFarlane: RIP 10 Years On!

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.

RON & NORMA McFARLANE…

Andrew James McFarlane
Son, Brother, Uncle
“Sharky”
Motocross champion, mate, friend, mentor, passionate sportsman…

We lost this special man 10 years ago doing what he did best; enjoying the sport that he loved and that motivated him to succeed. This is what has got us (to a degree) through the pain of his loss and the fact that he was an amazing human being.
We would like to thank our family:
Cameron and Rebecca, Wendy (our rock and best friend) and Shaun for being there for us. To all our friends for their loving support over the last few years.
We leave you in peace now, our remarkable son, but our hearts are still heavy and our love will never wane. We know you are here with us every day and that fills us with joy and happiness.
Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the people who have helped us take on this final journey:
Rosco Holden, for being on the journey and helping us to achieve this;
Kevin Williams, for his support in keeping Andrew’s name out there at all the race meetings; and
Peter Doyle at MA, for working hard to get Andrew’s name into 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