Aussie motor sport legend, 76, is mourned after dying in horror motorbike accident

A treasured motor sport identity is being mourned after he died in a horror crash in South Australia.

Deane ‘Feathers’ Boston, 76, was riding on the Wilkins Highway near Jamestown, north of Adelaide, when his motorcycle left the road on October 3.

‘You excelled at anything you attempted. Your earthly journey has ended but your legendary reputation will never die,’ a tribute Facebook post read.

‘We can’t believe you are gone but you will always be with us, in our hearts, our minds and our lives, forever.’

Boston was married to his wife Liz for 46 years, with the couple sharing a son, Craig. 

He often competed in the gruelling Finke Desert Race in the Northern Territory – including the first staging of the world-famous event in 1976.

The two-day race is regarded as Australia’s toughest off-road motorsport event – and attracts competitors from around the nation.

It is also estimated the race generates close to $8million for the Alice Springs economy.

Boston, 76, was riding on the Wilkins Highway near Jamestown north of Adelaide when his motorcycle left the road on October 3

Organisers of the iconic Finke Desert Race – which Boston (pictured) first competed in back in 1976 – also paid tribute to ‘Feathers’ on social media

In June this year, David Walsh successfully defended his crown, winning the bikes category for a record-equalling fifth time.

Beau Robinson won the cars section following six previous podium finishes.

Organisers of the iconic Finke Desert Race also paid tribute to Boston on social media.

‘We are saddened to hear that one of the original ’76ers’ competitors died as the result of a motorcycle accident,’ the post said.

‘Feathers loved riding motorbikes with one guiding principle; they had to go fast and he was pretty good at making that happen.

‘It’s hard to believe we’ve lost him, but he’ll always be part of the Finke family. 

‘Our condolences to the Boston extended family.’