The spirit of Andrew McFarlane & Stan
Although Danny's death Magoo Chandler is saddened, I was especially personally affected by the passing of my neighbor Constant “Stan” Delhaye and the tragic accident of Andrew “Sharky” McFarlane. Sharky turned 33, Stan 86. Because Stan is not really known among cross fans in Belgium and the Netherlands, I will talk about McFarlane below. Although the following is also dedicated to the Stan, a helpful, friendly man who already had his unbreakable spirit and character in common with Sharky. Like many strong, healthy young men, Stan was requisitioned as a forced laborer in Germany during World War II. Definitely no fun, but he got through it...
McFarlane lived in Belgium during his GP period and in 2002 and 2003 he rode for Jan De Groot's Kawasaki factory team. Moreover, as a journalist and later as press officer for Yamaha, I also had the opportunity to get to know Sharky better. Click here to read the memories of others. What I will always remember are the two Australian GPs where Andrew was at the start. At his very first GP in 2000 he immediately amazed. In the mud on his old-fashioned two-stroke Kawa against the factory four-strokes of Joël Smets, Marnicq Bervoets, Andrea Bartolini and Daryll King. McFarlane dreamed of a World Cup career and Broadford was his ticket to fame. You felt that and, above all, you saw that! Because he was no longer very young. At 22 it was for Andrew Now or Never. It became a convincing Now. He would challenge the established values of the 500cc World Championship. Together with Michael Byrne, he even seemed to provide a surprise in the first series. Unfortunately, the series were just a little too long for McFarlane who was used to driving 25 minutes. Yet his performance had impressed the European team bosses. The legendary Michele Rinaldi did not hesitate and offered the young Australian a factory contract for the following season. The beginning of a fantastic adventure. Andrew and his girlfriend Nathalie moved to Italy. The adjustment for the brand new Chesterfield-Yamaha pilot was enormous, both sportingly and personally.
The 2001 season started poorly. After the GPs of Bellpuig and Valkenswaard, McFarlane had barely 10 points to his name. In his home GP in front of his own audience he wanted to flame. Now it just had to happen. And Sharky would keep his word. Rarely have I experienced such an atmosphere as on that Sunday, April 15. But it probably also says so much about the spirit of Australia as a sporting country. Andrew was at the front and had everyone on their toes. The local hero was loudly cheered from the first to the last minute. Even though a victory was no longer possible. Everyone stayed positive. A big difference with the cynicism and resignation that sometimes prevails among us, where winning quickly becomes self-evident. Afterwards, Andrew McFarlane was very happy. It was a beautiful sunny day and he had finished second in a GP. For our own people, yes. After Stefan Everts, not exactly a shame. Once again Sharky had seized his chance.
That day will remain etched in my memory forever. Because Everts might have won, but the underdog McFarlane was the hero of the day. Everyone in the thousands present, from the first to the last, Aussie or foreigner, wished him that victory. When I think of Australia, it brings back memories of the incredible natural beauty and the sincere, warm welcome of our counterparts. Sharky was a fantastic ambassador for his country and our sport in every way. That fate would strike in that same idyllic Broadford. Where everything started 10 years ago and during his last season... that's too cruel for words.
Rest in Peace Andrew, you'll never be forgotten.
Rest in peace Stan, we will never forget you.
Tom Jacobs
Photos credit: Photographic Art/ Stefan Geukens, Yamaha Racing
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