Kurt Caselli dies in crash at Baja 1000
By Mike Dyce
Kurt Caselli, 30, has died from injuries suffered during a crash at the SCORE Baja 1000, according to KTM Racing on Facebook. It is an incredible tragedy in the off-road racing circuit, and Caselli was one of the sports biggest stars. Caselli was a three-time AMA national Hare and Hounds Champion. Caselli also won the Desafio Ruta 40 Rally in Argentina this year.
Chris Estrada of Motorsports Talk says the fatal accident occurred near the end of the 833-mile Baja 1000 race in Baja California in Mexico.
"Caselli, riding a KTM, was nearing the finish of the 833-mile event but according to reports, he hit a man-made booby trap at mile marker 796. He was then flown to a hospital with serious head injuries that he sadly was unable to overcome."
It is incredibly sad and shocking that it occurred on a man made booby trap. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caselli’s loved ones.
KTM Racing‘s post on Facebook:
"Hugely shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Kurt Caselli as the result of a crash while riding in the Baja 1000. A huge loss to his family, team and to our sport. Kurt was a wonderful competitor and an all round top guy. More when we have all the details from our team in the USA statement"
AMA president and CEO Rob Dingman issued this statement:
"“Kurt Caselli was one of American desert racing’s finest champions, and his early and untimely death is a major blow to the hearts and minds of all of us who knew him or knew of him. Caselli was a gracious competitor, a team leader and a fan favorite. His love for motorcycling showed through in everything he did, whether he was leading his fellow racers as the U.S. team captain for the International Six Days Enduro or signing autographs for a young fan.“On behalf of the AMA Board of Directors, our staff and AMA members everywhere, we offer our condolences to the family of Kurt Caselli and thank them for sharing with us one of the sport’s finest racers and greatest men.”"