Monday 2nd June 2003

David Jefferies

Tragedy at Isle of Man TT

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David Jefferies, aged just 30, the fastest ever rider on the TT Mountain Course, died last week when he crashed his 1000cc TAS Suzuki during practice for this year's races in the Isle of Man.

The burly Yorkshireman was on his second lap of the dry roads, afternoon session when his machine left the road at the flat out in top gear, 160mph left hand kink between Glen Vine and Crosby. On the opening lap he recorded a speed of 125.20mph.

The afternoon practice session was stopped and then abandoned with an extra session for solo riders being scheduled for Friday morning.

In an official statement, the race organising ACU, said that an enquiry into the details of the incident would be instituted immediately.

Nine time TT winner, Jefferies, opened his score in 1999 when he won the Formula One, Senior and 1000cc Production races on V&M Yamahas. The following year, with similar machines, he again won the Senior and Production events and added a first place in the Junior Supersport race.

Following the cancellation of the TT because of foot and mouth disease in 2001, Jefferies joined Suzuki for last year's event and added yet another victory treble in the F1, Senior and Production races.

Also last year, Jefferies won the Superbike race at the North West 200 and the production 1000cc race at the Ulster GP on TAS GSX-R Suzuki machines.

Jefferies, from Baildon, West Yorkshire, ran a BMW motorcycle dealership at Shipley and came from a family long associated with the motorcycle trade and sport. This dated back to the early post-second World War days when his grandfather was a bike sport all-rounder.

Philip Neil, Team Manager of the TAS Suzuki team: "The death of David has left the team shocked and devastated. Not only had David become a very close personal friend of the whole team, but he was a fantastic motorcycle rider and a real ambassador for our sport. Our thoughts are now with Pauline, Tony and the rest of David's family circle."

Mr Ichiro Kondo, Director, Suzuki GB PLC: "Obviously we are very shocked and saddened by the tragic news about the death of David Jefferies at the TT races. He was a great rider, but above all he was a great man. We pass on our deepest sympathies to his family on their immense loss."

[pddmac]

Well done Pistonheads for paying tribute to a genuine talent. The man was almost visibly quicker than anyone else, immensly skilled , but he was also uncommonly in today's world a real gentleman off the track as well. Sorely missed.

[atom290]

I met DJ at the Ring. He had ridden over on a bog standard BMW, and then wrestled the thing round the track. He really was a natural, and frightened loads of people with his confidence at this ominus circuit. Most people take it easy on their first lap, but not DJ he gave it everything, and did it off the seat of his pants, and they must have been good pants!

He then went around riding other peoples bike around the track demolishing their tyres!!

The guy was a character, and a much missed one at that.

[Johno]

I posted this up last night as I couldn't believe no-one else had mentioned it ..

Cheers Ted ...

This guy was utterly outstanding on the roads and a true character.

I am very sad to report this year that I have been involved in more 1 minute silences than any previous year with BSB and David Jefferies will have one at Brands (next round) I would hope.

We have lost so many top quality racers/ex racers this year ...

All I can think is that at least he went out doing what he loved best, did best and will be remebered for best.

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[Ballistic Banana]

Johno said: I posted this up last night as I couldn't believe no-one else had mentioned it ..

Cheers Ted ...

This guy was utterly outstanding on the roads and a true character.

I am very sad to report this year that I have been involved in more 1 minute silences than any previous year with BSB and David Jefferies will have one at Brands (next round) I would hope.

We have lost so many top quality racers/ex racers this year ...

All I can think is that at least he went out doing what he loved best, did best and will be remebered for best.

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There was a thread in General Gassing johno.

And Agree with your synopsis 100%

BB

[clanger]

That guy was the tops - watched a documentary on him last year - was in total awe of his courage and commitment - you were a true gladiator who gave pleasure to thousands - they share my grief - commiserations to his family.. he will forever be a giant to his many fans. RIP brave fella

[RobC]

He will be really missed, when I heard the news I couldn't believe it! His name will go down in history for the fastest ever lap of the TT circuit at an average of 127.49mph....a hero!

RIP