COMMENT: Dario Cecconi's memory lives on at Tandragee
The 38-year-old came off on the final lap of the Senior Support race and the remainder of the event was cancelled.
Mr Cecconi’s remains were escorted around the Tandragee course in a hearse on one final lap by motorcyclists and fans five days later, when a large crowd turned out to pay their respects.
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Hide AdA popular figure in the paddock at the North Armagh Club’s meeting, his memory will live on at the event through a special award that will be presented in his honour.
With the blessing of his family, the ‘Spirit of Tandragee’ accolade will go to the competitor who ‘who most encapsulates the spirit of Irish road racing’.
Today, a friend of Dario’s – Enrico Rocchi – will also honour his memory as he makes his debut at the event.
Rocchi had made excited plans to compete at the Manx Grand Prix with Cecconi a few years ago, but both soon realised the financial burden was beyond them.
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Hide AdInstead, Cecconi suggested his friend should travel to Northern Ireland to experience Irish road racing.
Over one year on from that fatal accident, Rocchi has made the trip and will take his place on the grid on a Suzuki GSX-R1000.
He told Italian website Road Racing Core: “I really hope I can make a good tribute to Dario.”