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R.I.P. Norick Abe

Rising Sun

Rising Sun

Joined Oct 2006
445 Posts | 43+
Adelaide, Australia
Just caught a brief report on the news tonight that Norifumi 'Norick' Abe was killed this morning in a traffic accident. Quite a shock to see it come on the news suddenly. A sad loss.

He was a part-time commentator for NTV's MotoGP coverage (when his schedule allowed--he was still riding in the All Japan Superbike Series), so it was only a couple of weeks ago I saw him during the Motegi race.

When you think of Abe's career, it's hard to go past his unforgettable debut at Suzuka in 1994. With his long black hair flapping wildly out the back of his helmet, he had thrilling race with Doohan, before he crashed near the end. It made quite an impression with a young Valentino Rossi, too.

I'll post more details when I come across them.

There is an offical website: www.norickabe.com There's nothing up there yet, understandably--but it does have a BBS, so you can post comments.
 
Another sad day for motorsports fans.
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It doesn't seem fair.
 
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RIP dude.

Damn.

He was an awesome guy, I'll never forget his banzai 500 wins, especially his Suzuka win.



[quote name='phleg' date='Oct 7 2007, 06:28 PM' post='94181']
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RIP dude.

Damn.

He was an awesome guy, I'll never forget his banzai 500 wins, especially his Suzuka win.

Some pics of the great guy.

4116003-md.jpg
 
Yes it's always motorsport, first McRae, now Abe, such a bad year 2007 is turning out to be. Two legends gone.

RIP both of them. Sad news, shocked.
 
Wow.... I never got to see Abe race but from what I heard from people on here he was something special..... Its always sad when a great rider dies, RIP Norick Abe.
 
this is very sad news indeed, Norick Abe was a great bloke and rider also old friends with the late kato, im truly stunned by this news
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R.I.P

artical from wiki.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE<div class='quotemain'>On October 7, 2007, he was killed in a street accident with a truck, which made a sudden illegal u-turn, while riding a motorcycle or a scooter in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
 
found this news artical.

‘Legendary rider’ Norick Abe dies in motorbike, truck collision

Norifumi “Norick” Abe, one of Japan’s most successful motorcycle road racers, collided with a truck while riding a motorbike in Kawasaki, and died from the resulting injuries after having been taken to hospital Sunday afternoon, the Asahi Shimbun reports. Abe was 32 years old.

Local police say the collision occurred on a four-lane municipal road, when the driver of the truck made a U-turn, colliding with Abe who was closing in on the truck from behind on its righ-hand side.

The truck driver told police he realized he had mistakenly taken the wrong way, and tried to get back on track. U-turns were prohibited on the road where the accident happened.

Norifumi Abe was born to the auto racer Mitsuo Abe, and sat on a bike for the first time when he was 5. After finishing elementary school, he spent two years in the United States, perfecting his skills. He won his first Grand Prix title 1996, and went on to conquer the title twice more.

Abe, who was also known as Norrick Abe in the English-speaking world and as “the legendary rider” in Japan, had many fans in Japan as well as worldwide.
link
 
Gutted....Norifumi was one of the most exciting racers ever to ride a 500, a real hero of mine. Cant believe thats happened....

Pete
 
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rising Sun @ Oct 7 2007, 06:19 PM) [snapback]94177[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
Just caught a brief report on the news tonight that Norifumi 'Norick' Abe was killed this morning in a traffic accident. Quite a shock to see it come on the news suddenly. A sad loss.

He was a part-time commentator for NTV's MotoGP coverage (when his schedule allowed--he was still riding in the All Japan Superbike Series), so it was only a couple of weeks ago I saw him during the Motegi race.

When you think of Abe's career, it's hard to go past his unforgettable debut at Suzuka in 1994. With his long black hair flapping wildly out the back of his helmet, he had thrilling race with Doohan, before he crashed near the end. It made quite an impression with a young Valentino Rossi, too.

I'll post more details when I come across them.

There is an offical website: www.norickabe.com There's nothing up there yet, understandably--but it does have a BBS, so you can post comments.

Wow! I wouldnt of known until wednesday if not for this.

RIP So much Abe. I will still wear your helmet (rep) in the full respect it deserves, no matter what people say about you, you were always the best Japanese Rider. RIP Norick
<
 
Wow bummer!!

Abe was one of my alltime favourite GP personalities, perhaps even my favourite???.

When Abe got a podium everybody was happy. Even Doohan seemed to "loosen up and smile" around Abe, when he was on the podium.

Thats a great loss.
 
RIP Norifumi.. Really sad news and a shame that an 'illegal u-turn' from a damn truck brought about his end.. Was a great, crazy rider to watch in full flight..
 
He did the japan commentary for skyperfect japan tv so Im guess when I watch the phillip island race they will have some special about him
 
He was well liked here in Aust. and most, if not all, of the comentators here were around in his time in GP so I would guess they will have some commemoration for him on the TV at least.

He may not have had many wins but I'd agree with him being described as a legend. Certainly in the "aussie" sense of the word he was.

Maybe the youngies here in Aust. don't remember him, but hopefully the TV will fill them in this weekend.
 

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