In memory of Steve Hislop - died 31st July 2003

Today, the 31st of July, 2003, Steve Hislop, reigning British Superbike Champion died in a helicopter crash in Scotland.

This tragic occurence adds to a series of losses in the community of two other Isle of Man heroes. Firstly Barry Sheene was lost in his long fight with stomach cancer in March this year. Hi loss was felt across the world but possibly no more so than in Britain. This year, the 'Dingle Dell' corner chicane at Brands has been altered and renamed the 'Sheene Curve'.

Later, at this year's TT, on the second practice lap, David Jeffries, aged only 30, had an accident which proved to be fatal. Having won the TT for the last three years running, from '99 to '02, his hopes this year were strong, recording a 125mph average speed on his first practice lap.

Steve Hislop had a somewhat mixed career. His motorcycle-racing dad died when Steve was only 17 and even with this, Steve felt the need to fulfill his passion for motorcycles. Always a favourite rider and enjoying successes in the public eye, starting at the TT races on the Isle of Man in the early 90s. His first BSB win was in 1995.

Warmly referred to as 'Hizzy', his fans were plentiful. His riding style perfectly suited to the Ducatis, his second championship success was to be found in the BSB again in 2002 on a 998.

After great success last season, his season took a turn for the worse this year, riding the Virgin Yamaha machine, his placings in races were low if he finished. His boss decided to 'let him go' mid-season, expressing his view that Hislop was just not suited to riding this machine. He did not blame Steve or his bike as the bike was doing well in the season being ridden by his team mate and Steve had obviously won the season last year.

Hizzy was set to start the next round on and ETI Ducati... the same team placing well in the World SBK at Brands, ridden by Sean Emmett. We can only wonder what might have been

Good luck Hizzy, on those Scottish mountain roads in the sky!!

Our condolences go out to the families of all our heroes who were cruelly robbed from us, their fans and from their loved ones.