Latest news with #MotorcyclingAustralia
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Australian motocross rider Joel Evans dies following crash at ProMX Championship
Credits: Instagram @joelevans_81 Australian motocross rider Joel Evans has died following a crash during a top-level race at the 2025 ProMX Championship in Gillman, South Australia . The 30-year-old Queenslander suffered serious injuries during a single-bike incident in the MX1 category on Sunday afternoon. Despite emergency efforts and being rushed to hospital, Evans passed away later that evening. While the precise cause of the crash has not been detailed, Motorcycling Australia confirmed it was a single-bike incident during the MX1 race that required the full attention of medical crews. The event was immediately abandoned, and South Australian Police are now investigating, urging anyone with footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers. Tributes Flow for Resilient and Passionate Racer Evans' death has sent shockwaves through the motocross community, with an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow riders, and loved ones. His sister, Renae Ferris, shared a deeply emotional tribute: Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo "I could never have imagined that it was going to be the day that my little brother took his final breath. Joel was doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life, but that doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. He used to joke about not wanting to get old — now he never has to." Joel leaves behind his fiancée Michaela Hurt and a family known for their close bond. Renae called him 'the best brother a girl could ask for and an even greater uncle for my girls.' A Life Defined by Comebacks and Commitment Joel Evans was a true privateer — a rider who raced not for fame or financial gain but for sheer passion. Introduced to motocross as a child on a 50cc bike, he committed his life to the sport. His journey was documented through his YouTube channel, where he shared insights into the struggles and triumphs of competing independently. In 2015, Evans suffered a devastating crash at Murray Bridge that nearly left him paralysed. He broke two vertebrae in his neck and was placed in a week-long induced coma. Defying medical odds, he learned to walk again and returned to racing within a year , despite regaining only partial strength in his left arm. 'Joel lived for the dream,' said Honda Racing Australia Director Yarrive Konsky. 'Every dollar earned, every sacrifice made was simply to make it to the next race.' Remembered by Friends and the Motocross Family Evans' competitors and friends expressed their shock and sorrow. Race winner Kyle Webster called him 'an absolute legend,' while fellow rider Regan Duffy reflected on their last conversation: 'Joel was telling me of plans to go race in America and just seemed so happy beforehand. One minute you're talking s*** on the line and the next they are gone.' Other tributes came from riders Nathan Crawford, Luke Clout, and Brandon Steel, who each highlighted Evans' love for the sport and his kind spirit. Longtime friend Stephen Smith described him as 'one of the best humans on this planet.' MXRP Motorcycle Performance added, 'You will be missed by many & forgotten by none, you're flying high now, mate.'
7NEWS
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Motocross rider Joel Evans dies after ProMX Championship race crash as family pays tribute
Motocross rider Joel Evans has died after crashing in the top-level MX1 race at the ProMX Championship event in South Australia on Sunday. The 30-year-old was injured in a single-bike incident at Gillman Speedway, with the meeting swiftly abandoned. Emergency services were called and Evans was rushed to hospital, with police and Motorcycling Australia confirming the 'incredibly sad' news that he had died on Sunday night. Evans' sister Renae mourned the family's loss as tributes flowed from his competitors on Monday. 'What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever,' she wrote. 'Intuitively I woke with a deeper calling for presence. My heart's daily reminder was 'appreciate what you have, don't wait until it's gone'. 'Eight hours later I got the phone call that no one wants to hear. I could never have imagined that it was going to be the day that my little brother took his final breath. 'Joel was doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life, but that doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. 'He used to joke about not wanting to get old, now he never has to.' Evans had previously overcome a serious crash in 2015 that nearly left him paralysed. After a week-long induced coma he learned how to walk again and returned to riding within a year. 'The best brother a girl could ask for and an even greater uncle for my girls,' Renae said. 'We love you so much buddy. More than you'll ever understand. Ride. In. Peace #81. 'And for those reading.. Hug your loved ones extra today, and please don't ever take your time for granted. 'Tomorrow isn't promised for any of us.' Race winner Kyle Webster wrote that he was 'lost for words'. 'You were an absolute legend and a huge part of our sport. Rest in peace,' he said. Nathan Crawford wrote: 'An extremely heavy and confusing day for our sport yesterday! Wishing nothing but love for Joel's family and everyone close to him. Rest in peace.' Luke Clout said: 'My condolences go out to all of Joel's family and friends. The sport we all love can be so cruel. RIP Joel, a guy that loved the sport more than most, you will be missed.' Brandon Steel said: 'Still can't believe this is real. My heart goes out to Joel's family, loved ones and his friends. Ride on up there mate, rest in peace.'
