The famous city race in Macau had to be interrupted due to the tragic accident suffered by 31-year-old Daniel Hegarty on the Fishermen's Bend bend. The race was immediately stopped and Daniel was transferred to hospital. It is with great regret that it was announced that the British pilot had succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Condé S. Januario Hospital.
Initially, the 51st race of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix turned into a close battle between Glenn Irwin (TAK CHUN Racing by PBM / Penz13 Ducati) and Peter Hickman (SMT / Bathams of MGM Macau BMW). The pair left the start line side by side and Irwin led until the first corner, but Hickman won at Lisboa under braking when the two arrived more or less side by side, ahead of Martin Jessopp (Riders Motorcycles BMW ).
Coming to the end of the first lap, Irwin slid the Ducati on the inside of the right-hander to regain a lead he would never lose, although he also could not shake off a determined Hickman, still one second behind him.
Before the race started, Irwin got off his bike at the end of the warm-up lap and looked at the side of the engine, identifying what he later called a "serious mechanical problem", which meant he was certain that he would not finish the 12 rounds of the competition.
He still led after six laps, with Rutter taking third but unable to catch Hickman or break free of Jessopp.
Then the race was stopped after six laps by red flags following the serious accident at Fishermen's Bend. The result was declared in favor of Irwin by a margin of 1,3 seconds to record the first victory by a Northern Irish rider since Phillip McCallen in 1996.
At the end of the race, Conor Cummins (Padgett's Motorcycles Honda) was fifth, ahead of Gary Johnson (Briggs Equipment Kawasaki), Dean Harrison (Silicone Engineering Racing Kawasaki) and Lee Johnston (RST Racing BMW).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd4_UR2BDUM
The Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee, joined by the Paddock-GP.com team, presents its most sincere condolences to Daniel's family and friends.
Thanks to Glenn Irwin for the photo of Dan.
“BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s thoughts are with the family and team of Honda driver Daniel Hegarty.
“Munich.” The 2017 Macau Grand Prix (CHN) was overshadowed by a fatal accident in the motorcycle race. The international motorcycle racing community mourns the death of Briton Daniel Hegarty. After this sad news, the sporting aspects of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix become insignificant.
“BMW Motorrad Motorsport would like to express its sincere condolences to Hegarty’s family, friends and team at this difficult time. »
