Darren Shepherd, 41, "...one of the most skilful motorcycle drag racers in Australia"

[Hoodoo]

Drag racer laid to rest at Leppington

18 Nov 09 @ 07:25am by Torin Chen
http://liverpool-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/drag-racer-laid-to-rest-at-leppington/

http://images.whereilive.com.au/images/uploads/2009/11/17/f4d371c33f31f805da2952b1efa531f3_resized.jpg
A funeral procession heads up Camden Valley Way to Leppington for
motorcycle drag racer Darren Shepherd (inset) on Monday.

UP to 100 riders took part in a special motorcycle procession for
champion drag racer Darren Shepherd before his funeral on Monday.

Mr Shepherd, 41, was killed in an accident while he was riding his
Harley-Davidson motorcycle at Eastern Creek last Saturday week.

The Sy�s Harley-Davidson team racer had just finished racing in the
modified bike category at the Western Sydney Dragway.

The motorcycle procession started at about 1pm at Sy�s Harley-Davidson
motorcycle shop at Moorebank.

The riders accompanied the hearse to Leppington where more than 200
people attended a funeral service at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Mr Shepherd is survived by his father John Shepherd, his sisters Nikki
and Lisa Shepherd, five nieces and nephews and one great-niece.

Mr Shepherd�s family and friends paid tribute to him during the service
which featured a video presentation of his life. An emotional Mr
Shepherd said of his son: �I�m going to miss him.�

Darren�s sister Nikki said her brother touched many people�s lives on
and off the racetrack.

�We will all be his family away from his family,� she said.

Sy�s Harley-Davidson�s Santina Keith said Mr Shepherd�s love of
motorbikes mirrored his love of life and the people around him.

�Darren had many nicknames, they called him Daz, D and superstar, but I
called him dazzle because he lit up the life of everyone who knew him,�
she said. �My life is a better because I knew Darren and the world will
also be a better place because we all knew Darren.�

Racing teammate Andrew Martinis said his mate was one of the most
skilful motorcycle drag racers in Australia.

�He was so consistent and he was much respected wherever he raced,� he said.

--
"Think with your dipstick, Jimmy."