Ollie Bridewell

Who was Ollie Bridewell?

Oliver Frederick Bridewell, from Etchilhampton, Wiltshire, known as Ollie Bridewell, was a British motorcycle road racer.

In 2005, he competed in the British Superstock Championship, as well as a European series one-off at Brands Hatch.

In 2006 and 2007, he raced in the British Superbike Championship for Vivaldi Suzuki, racing alongside his brother Tommy in 2007. His best results were two 8th places.

Bridewell died during practice at Mallory Park on the July 20, 2007. Torrential rain had made the circuit slippery, and he lost control entering the esses and crashed, suffering head and neck injuries. As with all UK Motorsport events an ambulance was at the scene and tended to him, but without success and he was pronounced dead at the circuit.

Air Ambulance Volunteer Doctor Dhushy Kumar reported that "Unfortunately, Mr Bridewell was in cardiac arrest when we arrived". Michael Rutter described him as a "highly talented and a very popular young lad".

Around 1300 people gathered for Ollie's funeral at St Mary's Church, Bishops Cannings on 1 August 2007; this was followed by a private family burial at Etchilhampton Churchyard.