We lost Jamie tonight, Friday July 7th, 2000
about 9:20pm EST.
He lost his mount at Laguna Seca this morning in the Superbike
practice and hit an unprotected wall on a straight. Not sure of
the details at this time, just that Jamie was looking fine. Not
sure what happened, too many conflicting stories right now.
I've known Jamie "The Kid" Bowman and his family since he was
a junior in high school. Watched the kid through the ups' and
downs' of our daily lives. Even when he
was injured he never looked backwards.
Always optimistic about the next race weekend.
In the last year a great change came over Jamie. He found the
confidence to win, and win he did at Loudon.
He beat the factory teams!
Henry got to see him just before he left for California the other
day. He was really upbeat and wanted to win the race. Jamie never
got to that final race. It's ironic that his final run was at
the front of the pack at Loudon.
We can be thankful in a way as he got to taste the biggest victory
of his young life. It's bittersweet for us as racers knowing how
great it is to win when the whole world is watching. Many of us
never get to that level. The ones that do are truly unique. "The
Kid" was truly unique!
Jamie wanted to win for himself but more importantly for the Hooters
Suzuki Racing Team. Steve and Libby gave him the opportunity along
with some great sponsors, to run at the front. Jamie being the
kind of kid he was, wanted to repay them with the big trophy.
He got that first win for the team on Steve's home track at Loudon.
Jamie had finally gotten to the level that makes for a winner.
He wanted it and he wanted it bad. This is the level that factory
riders achieve. It drives them to ride harder, to take those chances
for the win. Jamie had arrived at that plateau. He would have
won a few more races, no doubt about it! Now... he's running with
the big dogs at the front of the pack at a beautiful racing facility.
Someday........
There's a huge void in our lives. One of our own has left us.
All we can do is hang on each other and remember the great kid
who was part of our lives. A kid who has now joined so many of
our other great children.
Jamie would not want us to be sad. He was very humble and quiet
at the track, (unless he knew you real well). We were his friends
and family. He's thinking about us as much as we are about him.
Thanks to Steve and Libby along with Hooters Suzuki for giving
Jamie the chance to race on the professional level.
"We will carry his memory forever"
"Godspeed little brother, we'll all miss you!"
The Bowmans thank you all for your thoughts, friendship and support
of the family at this time.
I thank you all for holding me up, never an easy task. - Smokin' Joe
The family has asked if anyone wants to contribute
they can send a check to:
South Fork High School
Dept of Agriculture, c/o Mr. Krueger
10205 SW Pratt Whitney Rd
Stuart, Fl 34997
in Jamies name.
Jamie's Friends Remember
