AN EVESHAM rider who tragically lost his life at a motorcycle race in Northern Ireland will be honoured at one of Britain’s most iconic sporting events.
Simon Andrews died following a crash at the North West 200 races last Saturday (May 17) while riding for the Penz13.com BMW team.
The 29-year-old former Prince Henry’s High School pupil who grew up in Wickhamford lost his battle for life last Monday (May 19) with his parents Stuart and Dee, his girlfriend Lisa and best friend Breakers by his bedside.
But this weekend, his life will be remembered with a lap of honour during the historic Isle of Man TT races on Sunday (June 1) at 2.30pm.
Mark Walls organised the Simon Andrews Official Lap of Honour page on Facebook and soon atrracted a staggering 30,000 followers.
The support inspired him to contact race officials and Simon’s family to seek permission to remember 29-year-old during the race weekend.
“We have consent and a blessing from Simon Andrews family to run the event and I have been liasing with the Isle of Man roads policing unit, Isle of Man TT marshals, Isle of Man department for economic affairs and Motorsport development and the
ACU benevolent fund to get the event authorised and running smoothly.” Mark told the Observer.
“We will also have Mike ‘the Bike’ Hailwood’s son Dave Hailwood running the Honda RC181 to rock the heavens for Simon on the day and also a number of other historic bikes turning up to make a noise!
“We are also hoping for a guest appearance of the Norton SG3 race bike.” he added.
About 1,000 followers from the Facebook page are even expected to make the journey to the Isle of Man to show their support and remember the brave biker.
“We have the support of the local media on the island with Manx radio offering support via there social media page and putting the news out over the radio.
“Steve Parrish is hoping to be there on the day to say some words to the crowds and also take part in the lap on his road bike.
Mark hopes the event will also be televised after production company North One TV confirmed they would cover the event for ITV4 and the footage could even play a part in BT Sport’s successful MotoGP Tonight show.
Tribute t-shirts have also been produced for the day will be for sale in the Hailwood Centre cafe at the event for £10 from 1pm onwards.
Search for ‘Official Simon Andrews lap of Honour’ on Facebook to keep up to date with the tribute.
Grieving father Stuart said Simon loved road racing and had developed a real affinity with the Irish fans. Picture by Alan Heal
