Jumping Jack
April 18, 2008
Jack Middelburg began his racing career in 1974, and was crowned Dutch Champion in 1977 and 1978 in the 350 cm3, 500 cm3 and 750 cm3 series. Because of his rough riding style, he was nicknamed “Jumping Jack”, after the Rolling Stones song “Jumping Jack Flash”.
Together with Wil Hartog and Boet van Dulmen, he was part of a contingent of Dutch riders who competed at the highest levels of Grand Prix racing in the late 1970s.
Middelburg never earned a factory-sponsored race bike, yet managed to post some impressive results.
In 1980 he had a heroic and very popular win at Dutch TT in Assen (riding his motorcycle despite a broken leg), scoring the first victory for a private Yamaha in the 500 cm3 category. In 1981 he pulled off an unexpected upset when he defeated the defending world champion, Kenny Roberts at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Taking part in the 500 cm3 race of the 1984 Netherlands National Championship at Tolbert, Middelburg fell at high speed during 2nd lap in the faster bend of the 2,574 kms street circuit,; he hit a lamp post, and was run over by competitors .
Middelburg was transferred to the Neuro-surgical University Clinic of Groningen, Netherlands but succumbed to his head injuries two days later. In the accident Jack had lost his helmet, this may have been a factor in the death of the rider.
Strangers in the night
March 15, 2008
His 125cc team-mate Bradley Smith had some bad luck, but the incredibly fast Mattia Pasini pulled off a stupendous 250cc debut with a well-deserved win at the first night race in Doha-Qatar. 
Sand storm
February 23, 2008
In 14 days time the MotoGP circus will start their 2008 season in Doha, Qatar. It won't be a normal start of the season as the races will be held at night time! This weekend the Superbike series also start their season in Doha, the races are during day time though. This was believed to be a good reason for lexates.com to use this opportunity to visit the place. 
Following a dream
February 15, 2008
Following the remarkable and amazing adventures of Liam Shubert (Motoliam) is an absolute must. Liam is a surfer from Hawaii who loves motorcycle racing and is determined to win a World Championship. 
2022 the year of Kevin?
December 2, 2007
At Honda Park in Balen (BE) it is all about “learning, and growing in the sport of Motor-cross”. Their mission is to create an environment in which riders can develop into the MX-stars of tomorrow or simply have fun and enjoy the sport.
The Macau GP
November 18, 2007
Every year around this time the world of motor racing focus on Macau - hanging from China’s gigantic underbelly on its southeastern coast - as some of the most crazy road racers on the planet put their skills against the ca. 3.8 miles of public roads that form the legendary GP circuit.
Jan & John, a real dilemma
November 1, 2007
The first time I met Jan was during the MotoGP in Barcelona in 2006. He is a true Motor racing addict and fan of Suzuki motor bikes. In MotoGP racing his hero is John Hopkins of the Suzuki Rizla Team. John Hopkins will ride a Kawasaki in 2008; this is quite a dilemma for our Suzuki die-hard! Will he continue to support John or not?
Tribute to Loek!
October 24, 2007
Back in 1967 my uncle Loek started a hobby which would not only impact his future, it also had a huge impact on my life! He bought a 250cc Ducati Motorbike and tuned it to go racing!
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