Eric Zhao: Sydney Motorsport Park fatal crash rider, tributes paid

Tributes have been paid to a young husband and dad of two girls who tragically died in a horror crash at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Tributes have been paid to a young husband and dad of two girls who tragically died in a horror crash at Sydney Motorsport Park.

The motorcyclist who tragically died at Sydney Motorsport Park has been named as father-of-two Eric Zhao.

The 37-year-old, from Ermington, was on a training ride at the Eastern Creek track last Wednesday when he lost control and hit a barrier.

Paramedics and a Westpac rescue helicopter arrived at the raceway but Eric died from a suspected cardiac arrest.

Eric Zhao

Friend Nick Lo said he had first met Eric about eight years ago at a motorcycling event.

“We rode a lot together and went to race tracks together sometimes,” he said.

“Eric and I had a similar background. We started as overseas students and were not from wealthy families.

“We had to work our asses off to be where we are.”

Eric and his wife Carol

Eric worked as a sales manager at IT company Ingram Micro and loved the outdoors, Mr Lo said.

In particular he loved fishing, playing soccer and scuba diving.

Mr Lo said he took comfort knowing he passed away doing what he loved.

“It’s sad to say but at least when he passed away he was doing what he was passionate about,” he said.

Eric Zhao, 37, from Ermington who died at Eastern Creek Raceway. Picture: Supplied

“It’s one way to look at it so it feels a bit better for me.”

Originally from China, Eric moved to Australia to attend university.

He grew to love Sydney and later settled down with his wife Carol Ma.

The pair had two children Iris, aged 17 months, and Irene, aged 3.

Eric was one of the central figures in a Sydney Chinese motorcycling group called Edge Rider, which has about 500 members.

Eric was a keen scuba diver. Picture: Supplied

Mr Lo said he was at home with his girlfriend when he got a phone call to say Eric was in a serious crash.

He got into his car and drove straight to Eric’s home.

“On the way I said to my girlfriend ‘I hope that he will come back with a broken leg’.

Eric Zhao

“I just thought come back with two broken legs, just come back alive.”

When he arrived at the Ermington home he saw police at the front and instantly knew it was bad news.

“I knew deep inside but didn’t want to believe it. It was a shocking night.”

Sydney Motorsport Park chief executive Glenn Matthews said he passed his “deepest condolences” to Eric’s family and friends.

“The most important thing from our point of view is thinking about the family and friends of the deceased fellow and the wellbeing of those who were there at that tough time.”

Eric was also one of the main figures in a Sydney Chinese motorcycling group named Edge Rider

Mr Matthews, who has been at the track for more than 11 years, said there have been two deaths during that time.

“Another one had a heart attack during a race. It’s rare but at the same time we’ve got to recognise motorsports are dangerous and despite the safety precautions taken sometimes tragic things can occur.”

A Go Fund Me has been created to support the family’s funeral costs with almost $17,000 raised so far.

Eric (right) with his friend Nick Lo (far left). Picture: Supplied

On the fundraising page friends paid tribute to Eric describing him as an “adventurous spirit” and a “loving husband”.

“Eric is a honest, selfless, warm and intelligent human being with an adventurous spirit, chasing his dreams and passion even till the last moment,” one comment read.

To donate visit: https://ca.gofundme.com/f/support-eric-zhaos-young-family-after-tragic-loss