more sad motorsport news…
This guy was awesome… unique style on the bike, laid back personality and a racing inspiration to many, including Valentino Rossi, a close personal friend… Expect much mention of his sad passing at this weekends Australian GP…
RIP…
[quote]Japanese motorcycle racer ‘Norick’ Abe dies in traffic accident
TOKYO: Japanese motorcycle racer Norifumi “Norick” Abe, whose career in racing spanned 10 years, died in a traffic accident near his home in Kawasaki, Japan, Sunday. He was 32.
According to local police, Abe was riding his motorcycle when he collided with a truck that was making a U-turn.
Abe made his world championship debut in 1994 as a wild card at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The first of Abe’s three wins in the world championship came in 1996 in Japan. He had a total of 17 podium finishes from his 144 grand prix appearances.
His last race in MotoGP was in 2004 at the Valencia Grand Prix.[/quote]
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/08/sports/AS-SPT-MOT-Abe-Obit.php