It is once again with great sadness to be writing another tribute to a lost friend.

Ollie Bridewell, 21, died on Friday at Mallory Park after a crash he sustained at the Esses during the first free practice session. Ollie sadly succombed to his injuries at the tracks medical centre.

Ollie was a true character and someone I and I’m sure many people within the racing paddock will have many fond memories of. I met Ollie in 2003 whilst he was competing in the R6 Cup and you couldn’t have met a nicer, friendly or more genuine person than him. He was totally lovely and always had time for everyone, especially his fans to which he had a lot of.

I’m still in shock at the loss of Ollie and it’s hard to get your head round. He was a true star in the paddock and with his ginger locks and specs you couldn’t miss him. He always had a smile on his face and certainly always put a smile on all our faces, usually without knowing it.

He was a true person and very kind in his manner and the way he acted within the paddock, the stories outside the paddock I don’t think can be printed. His columns in racer magazine always made me chuckle and was usually the first thing that I would read!

He was certainly the man of the match at the charity football match a couple of years ago at Croft, I won’t forget the chants of Ollie Ollie that came from the sideline……started by a certain Mr Camier.

Ollie you were a great person and will be sadly missed by everyone in the paddock, the grid was packed on Sunday afternoon when we held a minutes silence for you, and no-one wanted to leave. You held a memory for all of us Ollie and we won’t ever forget you.

RIP young un, racing with the stars in the sky and in great company in racing heaven.

Miss you

C x