November BMX Racing News

bmxultra.com

The sudden and tragic passing of Michael Figliomeni on Saturday 28th October 2006 was felt by many in the sporting world, not just those in the speedway community. Before Michael was involved in speedcars, he and the whole Figliomeni family was heavily involved in BMX from the early 80’s. Back then Michael and his younger brothers Stephen, Frankie and Andrew dominated their age classes. But it was Michael who not only was successful but was one of the most respected riders in WA. He was extremely powerful out of the gate and with tracks in the 80’s that were mostly drag strips that suited the power rider, Michael was rarely beaten. Yet you wouldn’t know that he was that calibre of rider off the track. He had a quiet aura about him and got things done on the track.
 

My first memories were reading BMX Pancake (early 80’s mag) as a 10 year old in Port Hedland and just starting racing. Michael was featured occasionally and this built up a kind of celebrity status in my own mind when I first came down to race in Perth at BMX Action Park in Malaga in 1982. The track was owned and run by the now UCI BMX President Abe Schneider and he introduced our family to the Figliomeni’s and was kind of awe struck by who he was and how fast he raced. As the years went by we moved the Perth and raced more and got to know the Figliomeni family quite well. The whole family were extremely friendly and nothing was too much trouble. I was fortunate enough to race with Michael as a 14 year old in my first race in “Opens”. He would have 2 bike lengths on me by the first jump such was his pull out of the gate, yet would take the time to give me a couple of tips on gates during practice.

 

Those who were around then and are still racing today (eg Karl Mustchin, Paul Throns, Jade McPherson) will all have their memories of Michael and in reading the obituaries in the paper, he was the consummate professional in everything he did, racing or in business. Talented, quiet in striving for success and perfection yet commanded respect through his drive and unyielding desire to win that produced championships in all areas of competition, be it BMX, motocross or speedway. The unexpected passing of an athlete who did not drink or smoke will, no doubt, cause those of us around his age range to stop and reflect for a moment how short life is and live it to its absolute maximum.

Michael will be sadly missed by all who knew him.