McFarlane onboard a Yamaha in one of his seven MX Des Nations appearances.

Yamaha Motor Australia, on behalf of Yamaha Motor Corporation and its associated race teams around the world, has passed on their condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the McFarlane family after the tragic passing of Andrew McFarlane via a statement released yesterday afternoon.

During his 27 years as a motocross racer, McFarlane represented the brand at a professional level throughout the world and raced at the highest levels. McFarlane was an athlete held in the highest esteem among the Yamaha family and his passing is a great loss to the motocross community in general.

“I am stunned and saddened by the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McFarlane family at this time and Yamaha expresses its deepest sympathy to the entire family,” said Yamaha managing director Steven Cotterell. “Motocross has lost a true competitor and a true professional.”

Also remembering McFarlane was CDR Rockstar Yamaha team principle Craig Dack.

“I can still recall that day in Broadford back in 2000 when Andrew took on the world,” Dack said. “His effort made every Australian at the track stand up and cheer. The first 20 minutes of the opening moto made for one of the best atmospheres I have ever experienced at a motocross event, all because of the efforts of Andrew and his desire to succeed.

“His loss as a friend, competitor and rider on the Australian scene is huge and he will long be remembered as pioneer of Australian motocross and a popular rider within his peers.”

Yamaha Motorsport Manager Ray Howard also paid his respects to the fallen hero.

“The atmosphere and the look in the riders’ eyes last Sunday said it all,” Howard said. “Andrew’s death was devastating to all and leaves an unfillable hole in the motocross landscape. He was dedicated, professional, talented and determined; all that assets that fuel a competitor to a level so few achieve.

“On behalf of our race teams, we are honored to have worked with Andrew, proud of his achievements and gutted by his death. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the McFarlane family.”