A Flag at Half Staff
By: Scott Parkinson
An American flag set at half staff billows in a gentle breeze against the background of a beautiful blue summer Southern California sky. Stickers on the windows of trucks and T-shirts bearing the number 38 are seen in every direction one looks. As you drive through the track gates the first thing one sees is an ECC RM 85 resting on the top of a podium stand. Hung from a foot peg is a wreath, and below are pictures of a smiling Brett Downey. People that knew him best never fail to mention Brett's contagious smile and deep passion for the sport of motocross.
On Thursday, August 19, 2004 , Brett Downey passed away while practicing at Glen Helen Raceway. Brett fell and was hit by another rider, whose vision was impaired by a cloud of dust: Brett was killed on impact.
Brett was a nationally ranked, up and coming amateur mini racer. His loss will be felt and shared throughout the United States in the motocross community.
Donna and Freddie Edward, owners of Perris Raceway, dedicated the August 28th round of their Hot Summer Nights Series to the memory of Brett. In honor of Brett and in support of the entire Downey family, the motocross community pulled together, as a family does, for a parade lap around the Perris race track. Michael Hall, one of Brett's best friends, led the lap. Michael wore his fallen friend's jersey. It was impossible not to get the feeling that, as Brett's father Jim Downey puts it, “Brett's spirit was riding on the shoulders of his friend.”
Michael stated that, “It is an honor to ride Brett's bike around the track for the final time. There are no words to describe the depth of this honor.”
Donna Edward shared a few heartfelt thoughts and memories of Brett and just how much he would be missed.
As tears welled up in people's eyes, Michael was given the checkered flag and took Brett's bike for that last and final lap. He was followed by a small group of riders, including Sean Hamblin.
After the parade lap, Scott Parkinson from PanicRev.org said a prayer, which captured the emotions of many.
"Dear God, I am so upset about this death. I wish it had never happened. I wish Brett hadn't fallen. I wish the other rider had seen him. I wish Brett were with us today. It hurts God; some of us are confused, some are angry, some are numb.
God it is my understanding that Brett had asked your son, Jesus Christ, to be his Lord and Savior. God if that's true, then I know your Word promises that Brett is in heaven with you right now. Somehow, that takes the sting of death away, God. I thank you that we may rest in the comfort of knowing where Brett is.
Lord, I also thank you for allowing us to celebrate life through this wonderful sport of motocross. We are a community; we are a family, bound by a common love for dirt. God, I ask that you would comfort the Downey family in the way only you can. You know their pain, you know exactly what they are feeling and you know what they need. God also watch over the rider who crashed into Brett; may he turn to you in his time of need, pain, hurt and even regret. In 2 Cor, you say you are a God of comfort, comfort us now, O God.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen "
It was impossible not to hear the tears in his heart as he prayed for understanding, the Downey family and this motocross community—family.
In life, Brett had a magnetic personality; in death, Brett has drawn this community together and formed a family. A family that, Michael Hall believes, “should remember Brett as a person with a deep love and passion for motocross that came across through his constant smile.” Brett has truly crossed the finish line and entered those eternal golden gates.
