Japanese Racer Norick Abe Tragically Killed in Road Accident
Subscribe to our newsletter and keep up to date!
Simply enter your email address below and you will be added to our mailing list. Rest assured your email will remain private and will never be passed on to other parties. We hate spam as much as you do!
Sad news from Japan, as popular motorcycle racer Norifumi ‘Norick’ Abe has been killed in a road accident. The 32-year-old three-time 500cc Grand Prix winner was hit by a truck that was making a U-turn, on Sunday the 7th October. His will be a sad loss to those involved in the sport, and to his many fans around the world.
Norifumi Abe burst onto the scene with an astonishing performance as a wild-card rider on a Honda NSR 500 during the 1994 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. The 18-year-old Suzuka wildcard was challenging the leaders, Michael Doohan and Kevin Schwantz, in the premier 500cc class. He fought almost to the finish of the race for the lead, only to crash three laps before the chequered flag.
A statement from Yamaha:
“I am deeply saddened to hear this tragic news,” said Yamaha Motor Co. president Takashi Kajikawa. “Loved by fans in Japan, Europe and the Americas and throughout Asia, Norifumi Abe was an irreplaceable ambassador of motor sports worldwide. Here in Japan the fans were especially excited to see Abe return to the All Japan circuit after 14 years of international competition, and certainly their sense of loss at his passing is great. We pray that his soul rests in peace and we send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Everyone connected with this site would like to offer there heartfelt condolences to Norifumi Abe’s family and friends.
The Biker Place is a motorcycle racing website with up to date news and race reports. Check out our section on the up and coming racers and keep up to date with their progress.
