Richard Fitch
By TMX Archives on 14th Jul 05
I first met Richard Fitch when we worked together doing supercross demonstrations at the NEC International Motorcycle Show.His insatiable enthusiasm and pure class set him apart from his peers that week. I first met Richard Fitch when we worked together doing supercross demonstrations at the NEC International Motorcycle Show.His insatiable enthusiasm and pure class set him apart from his peers that week. Rich was an outstanding stylist and outstandingly fast but fully understood the demands of a racing demo and cleverly curbed his natural exuberance to keep the action close.Rich started out racing go-karts but when he discovered motocross the boy was a natural and he adored Andy Lee's jump-infested Elsworth Moto Park. An apprentice welder, he became UK schoolboy supercross champ, competed successfully in Greece and Denmark then lost almost all of 2002 after badly breaking his right wrist at the Worcester SX track. The bones had to be fused and never recovered full movement.Suzuki UK boss Rob Hooper clocked him in the 2003 Under 21 championship. "He was a fierce competitor," recalls Rob, "spectacular and always giving 100 per cent. An all-action lad."Hoop sorted out an ARW Suzuki deal for 2004. "He was always happy. We spent a full week together pre-season in Spain. He had a knack of making you feel important and was always interested in what racing was like in our day."The 2004 Weston-super-Mare winter supercross champ, third in the British 125 SX series and fourth in the Under 21 MX nationals, Rich celebrated his 21st birthday wintering in New Zealand with his new pal and Suzuki team-mate Kiwi Scott Columb. He returned and was leading the DEP two-stroke championship on a Ride MX KTM at the time of his accident.Chatty and sociable, Rich was ever eager to talk racing and generous in praising the achievements of mates and rivals. I loved meeting him around the paddock, enjoying that infectious enthusiasm and watching him ride.Our thoughts go out to his parents Chris and Jill on their unimaginable loss. We'll miss you too, Rich. God speed.By Jack Burnicle