13 Year old "Professional" motocycle racer killed at Indy this weekend.

[Blues4U]

How young is too young? I am not a wimp, not a non-athletic girly man, not a completely dodding father-but do think it is my job to do everything possible to ensure my children make it to adulthood.


When I heard this BOY was killed while racing (I never even knew that kids competed in road racing on bikes) it pretty much bummed me out for the morning. I have 3 kids, my middle child being a 13 year old--


I know kids get killed riding bikes, playing baseball, getting stung by bees ect.. but putting a 13 year old kid on a motorcycle that is capable of running upwards of 100mph is not what I would consider being a responsible parent.

Here's the story--


Teen Rider Dies in Crash at IMS
By the Associated Press
8/29/2010


A 13-year-old motorcycle racer died Sunday after falling off his bike and getting run over by another motorcycle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Wash., was pronounced dead by the Marion County coroner after sustaining “traumatic injuries.” The accomplished teenage rider crashed on a warmup lap before his race and was struck by 12-year-old Xavier Zayat, who was uninjured in the accident.

Medical workers immediately placed Lenz in a neck brace, put him on a stretcher and began chest compressions while taking him to a hospital. The coroner confirmed his death about 3 hours later, the first at the speedway since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed in October 2003.

“Peter passed away early this morning when he was apparently struck by another rider,” said a posting Sunday on Lenz’s Facebook page, which was signed “Dad.”

“He passed doing what he loved and had his go fast face on as he pulled onto the track,” the posting said. “The world lost one of its brightest lights today. God Bless Peter and the other rider involved. 45 is on another road we can only hope to reach. Miss you kiddo.”

Lenz rode the No. 45 bike. It wasn’t immediately clear whether his parents were in Indianapolis and a home phone number for the family was not listed.

Track officials confirmed that Lenz is the youngest racer killed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which opened in 1909 and has been used by numerous series ever since.

“On behalf of the Lenz family, we would like to thank Peter’s friends and supporters for all their help throughout the years,” the family said in a statement passed out to reporters. “We are deeply saddened by the loss but know that Peter is racing even faster in the sky.”

The family said additional thoughts and messages could be posted on the Facebook page.

The crash delayed the start of the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union event in which Lenz was scheduled to start, but the three races sanctioned by the MotoGP Series all started on time.

USGPRU spokesman Bill Syfan did not respond to interview requests from The Associated Press, but a news conference was scheduled for later Sunday.

Despite being only 13 years old and listing his profession on the Grand Prix website as “kid,” Lenz was already a well-known racer. He had been riding bikes for six years, won nine national championships and nine regional titles, and appeared to be a rising star in a series that bills itself as a prep for riders 12 to 18 who hope to compete at a higher level.

Those races are not typically held in conjunction with MotoGP events.

The fatal accident Sunday will almost certainly spark a debate about how young is too young for racers to be competing on one of the world’s best-known tracks, whether it’s inside a car or riding a motorcycle capable of speeds well over 100 mph.

Speedway officials declined to comment on the issue but pointed out that East Coast Region riders also compete at Virginia International Raceway and Road America, while the West Coast Region holds races at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah and Portland International Raceway.

MotoGP riders Colin Edwards and Ben Spies competed at even higher levels as teens. Edwards ran his first 250cc race at 17, while Spies made his first start in the 125cc series at 12.

Racing conditions were not ideal this weekend.

Hot, dry weather turned Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s bumpy, 2.621-mile course into a slick track that was challenging even for the world’s best riders.

Reigning world champ Valentino Rossi fell four times since practice opened Friday, including a spill Sunday morning during a 20-minute warmup session. Spies and points leader Jorge Lorenzo also acknowledged after qualifying Saturday that the track was difficult.

The Moto2 race Sunday was shortened after a big wreck took out four drivers on the first lap. Eight drivers did not finish that race.

Lenz had three third-place finishes this season in the 125GP class and had won three races in the MD250H class, which was the race being run Sunday.

[b-squared]

Changed 'India' to 'Indy' in the title.

BB

[Tozatron]

Good lord.

[brettk7]

I think, considering the amount of time that he has been racing (6 years) that he probably had more than a fair amount of practice and training and was more than prepared for it.

Accidents can happen anywhere. It is just so sad to see it happen to somebody so young

[Neofelis Nebulosa]

I was shocked this morning when I read this story. I ride myself and consider a track the absolute safest place to ride fast. But 13 years old? 120 mph? I'm thinking minimum age 15.

Then I was even more shocked to learn that he was run over by a 12 year old.

I think the rules committee and the parents outa get their heads outa each others A$$e$.

Reminds me of this young gal that was sailing around the world and was rescued recently. Thankfully she survived. I know I will annoy my Libertarian friends; but this is why I like more laws, more regulations. To protect us from ourselves.

[ext1jdh]

What a way to go...run over by a 12 year old...

[Mayo5]

Very unfortunate, but it is racing. Deaths are very uncommon on the track and he was doing what he loved. Seemed like a freak accident, and I feel bad for the family and the kid who hit him as well.

He is not too young, it's just racing. I've been riding since I was 5 and raced when I was young ( off-road), but I always wanted to get in to the road racing just didn't' have the funds. He was racing in the 125 and 250 class which is a good fit for emerging riders. The article stated he had already won 6 NATIONAL championships, so he was obviously very experienced and comfortable on those bikes.

If he is too young, then they should take away sports for that age as well. You can easily argue all the kids who have broken too many bones, paralyzed or maybe even the rare death playing competitive sports at that age.


There is no reason to point fingers and blame, it's a just very unfortunate and sad event that happened. That's life.

[EEF13]

Imagine what the 12 year old is going through. He has to live with this for the rest of his life.

[allbusinessjoe]

Perhaps our society can place even more importance on celebrity, sports, and entertainment. Lets all forget about doing things where you can't get killed, like reading.

Obviously this is horrible, and is the same reason I do not want my son to play High School football when he becomes old enough. Having bad knees or becoming paralized as a teen is not a good way to finish life.

[Blues4U]

I am not suggesting we do not allow our children to participate in hazardous activities. I do think that the child should be old enough to fully grasp the risks involved.

If a 13 year old boy had been racing on a road course since he was 7, no way he ever fully understood the risks involved or was anywhere mature enough to make an informed decission.

I hunt, I fish, I drive vehicles off road. I do not turn my children lose to use firearms without direct supervision. I do not allow my children to wade in dangerous sections of the river. I do not allow my children to drive my truck through a mud bog.

Saying he died doing what he loves is one thing when you are 60. It holds no water when you are 13.

[es345guy]

Originally Posted by EEF13

Imagine what the 12 year old is going through. He has to live with this for the rest of his life.

That is exactly what I thought. Wouldnt want that on my plate at 12....