Abe dies
Yamaha star mournedYamaha star Norifumi Abe is being mourned in road race circles after the announcement of his death from injuries sustained in a road crash between the 500 scooter he was riding and a truck in Kawasaki City, Japan.
Abe made quite a splash when he entered GP racing in the mid-1990s, though a world title was to elude him.
He then switched to world superbikes, until 2007 when he returned to racing in his domestic championship.
"I am deeply saddened to hear this tragic news. Loved by fans in Japan, Europe and the Americas and throughout Asia, Norifumi Abe was an irreplaceable ambassador of motor sports worldwide," said Yamaha President Takashi Kajikawa.
"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."
- Norifumi Abe Profile
- Place of birth: Tokyo, Japan
- Born on Sept. 7, 1975
- 2007 team: Y'S GEAR Racing
- Career:
- 1993: Champion of All Japan GP500 class
- 1994: World Road Race Championships GP500 class debut
- 1995: 9th in World GP500 class
- 1996: 5th in World GP500 class (won Japan GP)
- 1997: 7th in World GP500 class
- 1998: 6th in World GP500 class
- 1999: 6th in World GP500 class (won Rio GP)
- 2000: 8th in World GP500 class (won Japan GP)
- 2001: 7th in World GP500 class
- 2002: 6th in MotoGP
- 2003: 16th in MotoGP (spot participation)
- 2004: 13th in MotoGP
- 2005: 13th in World Superbike Championship
- 2006: 13th in World Superbike Championship
- 2007: Ranking 3rd in All Japan JSB1000 class (at the end of round 6)
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