VALE: Matthew Hayes
Tweet| 31 December 2012 |
It is with deep sadness we learn of the sudden passing of Melbourne racer Matthew Hayes on the weekend. The 31-year old was a long time karter and more recently Commodore Cup racer. He started in the sport as a junior and raced everything from Js to KZs at tracks around the country.
He was a factory driver for Phoenix Karts for many years, and continued in a test and development role with Phoenix even after he'd largely finished racing karts. Prior to this he was part of the Sidchrome team and later had a spell with Maranello. He played a pivotal role with many up and coming karters with words of advice.
"He started out on the same day in 1997 as (my Son) Nick, and we've been great friends ever since" David Parker told KartSportNews.
"They raced wheel-to-wheel over many many epic tussles but never laid a wheel on each other in anger - always very hard racing but always with respect for each other.
"He probably didn't know how much he was respected & loved, and will be missed by the motor racing & karting families."
- A further tribute has been published on InPitLane HERE.
Above: Matt with 'number 1 fan', Isabella Thomas
pic - Hayes/facebook
A small selection of the many tributes posted on Matt's facebook page:
"Devastated to hear you have left us, your help with my 2 boys in their racing and the input in to the engineering of their Karts with Col, flying to Adelaide for the day just to help Liam at a State Title, things a good mate would only do. Your racing on track was always exciting, be it in karts or C/Cup. You sure had a talent for motor racing. You friendly face and a good chat will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with your family." Brad Sager
"Matty you were a true fighter on the track and off it a gentlemen. You taunt me the ropes when I came into karting. My thoughts are with you and your family. RIP MATE OX." Ben Lincoln
"Thanks Matt. I couldnt of asked for a better team mate. your help and respect to help me be a better racer will never be forgotten. you will forever be my team mate and part of S.B.R rest in peace Buddy." Graeme Meer
Above: Wearing a state championship blue plate with Phoenix
"Admist all the happiness that I have experienced over the last two days, I have been told one of the guys that i used to race against and looked up to today passed on. A man of the big move and an awesome steerer, you'll be missed bro. RIP Matthew Hayes. I hope you're tearing up the race tracks upstairs." Luke Fong
"RIP - Matt #52, great bloke always up for a chat! You will be sadly missed by all! My thoughts go out to Matt's family and friends." Shane Price
"RIP Matt. You, I & Nick started in karts together and were mates ever since. Thanks for the good times. Can't believe it." David Parker
pic - Cooper's Photography
