From coverage of the race weekend, published in the September 2000 issue of Roadracing World: Jamie Bowman, 25, of Tequesta, Florida, was fatally injured in a crash during practice at Laguna Seca. Riding his Hooters GSX-R750 Supersport machine in Friday-morning Superbike practice, Bowman reportedly got into a tankslapper between turns two and three and hit a section of bare concrete wall on the rider’s left, suffering head injuries. The impact was at an angle close to 90 degrees because a section of wall had been pivoted out to allow cornerworkers access to the track surface. After Bowman’s crash, the section of wall was pushed back in place and haybales were placed in front of it. Bowman was helicoptered to San Jose Medical Center, where he was declared brain dead at 4:30 p.m.; he was kept on a respirator until his organs could be taken out for donation. At the time of his death, Bowman was ranked second in points in the 750cc Supersport series and had just won the 750cc Supersport race at Loudon. Known for his ready smile and easy manner, Bowman was one of the most popular riders in the paddock among racers, spectators and the press alike. He was survived by his parents, Jim and Ellen, and brothers Brett, Jon, Shawn and Christopher.