BSB: Ollie Bridewell dies at Mallory

Ollie Bridewell ... 1985 - 2007

BSB rider Ollie Bridewell has died following an accident at the first free practice session at MalLory Park.

Bridewell, a Vilvaldi Suzuki rider was riding in the opening session of the weekend's racing when he was involved in an incident at the Esses. Prior to the accident, the session was shortened to 20 minutes due to heavy rain at the Leicestershire circuit.

The MCRB official statement reads:

20 July 2007 - Issued 15:30

During the Bennetts British Superbike Championship first free practice at Mallory Park, an incident occurred at the Esses section of the circuit.

The rider involved was Ollie Bridewell.

Initial evidence shows that he lost control and fell from his machine making a heavy impact with the surface and then the Recticel "type A" protective barrier. He sustained critical head and neck injuries. He was treated initially at trackside and then at the circuit medical centre by the BSB Medical Team, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The incident is being fully investigated by the MCRCB and the relevant authorities.

On behalf of MCRCB Events and the BSB community we extend our profound sympathies.

Stuart Higgs / Toby Branfoot, FRCSEd (Tr & Orth)

Race Director / Medical Director

Following the news of Bridewell's death all competitive action at the circuit was immediately cancelled, but the sessions scheduled for Saturday and Sunday are both not expected to be affected. Everyone at Visordown would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the Bridewell family.