Freestyle motocross rider Jim McNeil died today after a crash at the Texas Motor Speedway. McNeil was practicing for an exhibition event when he lost control of his motorcycle. He was flown by helicopter to Fort Worth Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
McNeil, 32, was scheduled to perform during the 2011 Boost Mobile FrestyleMX Worldwide Tour at the Texas Motor Speedway which was running at the same time as NASCAR's AAA Texas 500.
McNeil, who was known as "Jumpin' Jimmy" and "McNeil The Real Deal," was a freestyle motorcross veteran. ESPN reports that McNeil made his X Games debut in 2005 and has been part of the Boost Mobile Freestyle Motocross time for the last nine years.
A post on the FreestyleMX.com Facebook page said: "Today we mourn the loss of Jim McNeil and remember the happiness he brought us all. You will never be forgotten because you were AND still are the Real Deal. We love you buddy."
McNeil was a regular on the FMX circuit and rode during Red Bull X-Fighters, Dew Tour, and International Freestyle Motocross Association events. But the stunt rider was best known for his high-flying tricks with the Nuclear Cowboyz and his appearances in Powerband Films' like "On the Pipe 5."
Here's a video of Jim McNeil riding in 2010.
