Simon Crafar, now serving as president of the FIM MotoGP Stewards Committee, has had a life full of ups and downs. From losing his identity after retirement to a severe accident in Romania that nearly left him unable to walk, his story is a testament to resilience.
In the latest MotoGP podcast from Crash.net, Simon Crafar opened up about the tough times after hanging up his helmet. He admitted that retiring from racing left him feeling lost, and the accident became a turning point that helped him find purpose again.
From Mechanic to Racer, Then Ohlins Technician
Crafar started his career as a motorcycle mechanic in New Zealand before becoming a racer. His interest in the technical side never faded, and when planning for the future, he decided to join Ohlins as a technician. His racing experience helped him understand the needs of riders, and he learned a lot from the specialists there.

However, that job required traveling almost all year, while his wife lived in Andorra and his child had just been born. After one year, Crafar chose to return to racing in BSB to be closer to his family, although he admits it wasn't the right decision.
Losing Identity and the Accident That Changed Everything
When he finally stopped completely, Crafar felt he had lost his identity. For years, his life revolved around racing and training. When that disappeared, he lost his way. The accident in Romania left him paralyzed from the chest down for 11 months. He thought he might never walk again, but it was that moment that made him rise.
Now, as head of stewards, Crafar brings a unique perspective from a racer. He understands the pressure riders face and strives to make fair decisions. His story inspires many, especially those who have faced failure and loss.



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