Love, Speed and Loss

In a continuation of the Kim Newcombe saga that I posted about yesterday, there is a bit more to the story than Kim's death on the racetrack.

Newcombe left behind his young wife and son, who were part of a documentary film titled "Love, Speed and Loss". Basically the story is about Kim and his career, but also of his wife Janeen and his son Mark. It marks an era where emphasis and consideration by the racing administration and track owners toward rider safety was less than what it deserved, though we know the sport is intrinsically dangerous. Too many riders like Kim Newcombe, Renzo Pasolini and Jarno Saarinen may have died needlessly and may have survived had some of the modern safeguards used today were in place back in those days. 

Things have changed and life goes on, and it was interesting to note that it was the first time Janeen Newcombe had returned to a racetrack since Kim's death when attending the 2004 Biker's Classic held in Belgium. Maybe it was to watch 2 sons, Mark Newcombe and Renzo Pasolini Jr., participate in 2 honour laps on their motorcycles, in memory of their fathers and the impact they had on the sport.

Kim Newcombe and his son mark, sharing the podium with Giacomo Agostini

Kim in action on the Konig

KIm, with wife Janeen and son Mark

Kim, with Don Jarvie, who still own his own Konig

Mark Newcombe on the Konig

Mark, Janeen and legend Phil Read