RIP: ‘One-of-a-kind' motorsport champion (17) laid to rest after tragic crash

A young motorsport champion has been laid to rest, after the 17-year-old passed away in a tragic single-vehicle collision over the weekend. 

Jack Morrow of Rathfriland, Co Down, was pronounced dead in the early hours of Saturday, May 25 following an accident close to his home on Banbridge road.

Mr Morrow has since been laid to rest, with his family sharing their heartfelt tributes to their son and brother, whom they said was their ‘pride and joy’. 

“Our Jack the Lad - well, where do we begin? Such a short life but so much accomplished in those 17 years,” the family said.

“Since he arrived on the first of May, 2007 he has been our pride and joy from those big blue eyes to that beautiful smile that would just light up any room.”

A 19-year-old passenger who was in the car at the time of the fatal crash with Mr Morrow was treated for serious injuries.

Mr Morrow's sister Amy also paid tribute to him, saying he was always her 'biggest inspiration in life': “Jack, you were one of a kind…From being my chief mechanic, my brother and most importantly my best friend.

“I never thought I would ever lose you and life and the racing will never be the same again without you there, you have always been my biggest inspiration in life and I will strive to do you proud,” she said.

Described fondly as a ‘Northern Irish starlet’ among racing circles, Mr Morrow was a junior stock car champion and held many titles in the motorsport. 

Mr Morrow’s family said it was at stock car racing where he “really excelled and made us proud”, winning numerous championships over the years.

“Jack was one of the most talented drivers to ever grace junior productions and oval racing,” read a tribute by Hardie Race Promotions.

“He was a regular attendee at Lochgelly Raceway during his time in the Junior Production class, winning the Scottish Open in 2022 and was the first ever Junior Production British Champion the same year. 

“All of us at Hardie Race Promotions would like to offer our sincerest condolences to family and friends of Jack.”