Tragedy Strikes Local Riders Competition
Two of Bermuda’s motorcycle racers were present at a tragic occurrence at an American racetrack yesterday [Aug 29] which saw a 13-year-old boy become the youngest rider to ever die on the 101-year old track.
Bermuda’s Cody Sousa-Saints and Bruce Degrilla Jr were taking part in the United States Grand Prix Racing Union event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when the 13-year-old was involved in a severe accident during the warm-up lap, which saw him being run over by another motorcycle being driven by a 12-year-old rider.
Bermuda’s Team Tuned Manager, Cyril Whitter III, confirmed the local riders were uninjured saying “Both riders are OK, Degrilla Jr witnessed the accident as he was following the riders on the warm-up lap, however he was not involved.” Both local racers went on to race yesterday, finishing 17th and 18th respectively.
Peter Lenz [pictured] of Vancouver, Washington was rushed to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead hours later. In a statement Peter’s family said “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, but know that Peter is racing even faster in the sky.”
It was the first death at the track since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed in October 2003. Peter was said to be one of America’s youngest rising stars in the sport, earning the “expert” license from the American Federation of Motorcyclists at age 11. The 4ft 11″ and 81 pound rider had been involved in a serious crash before, breaking four bones last season.
Many Bermudians will recall when we lost one of our own youngsters on the track; 14-year-old Toriano “The Animal” Wilson was killed in a crash in August 2008 during a competition in Virginia.
[Photo via Peterlenz.com]
So people under the age of 18 and 16 can’t legally drive on roads yet they can race around a track on powerful bikes in packs. Wow.
I’m not saying accidents can’t happen with older people but 13 and 12 years old is VERY young. Such a tragic way for that young man to lose his life. Rest In Peace to him and condolences to his family. Just tragic.
reply to Uncle Ruckus:
These races have been going on for years. There are riders who are as young as four on these motor bikes. Yes, they ride in packs thats how it becomes a race…ACCIDENTS do happen
So that makes it okay? Because it’s been going on for years and because accidents happen? What the hell kind of rebuttal was that? I understand the concept of a race you moron. You have no point. If they did it on roads they’d be a big hoopla about it.
i agree 110% with uncle ruckus