The Indianapolis MotoGP event was confirmed to have ended in tragedy on Sunday afternoon after 13-year-old rider Peter Lenz lost his life in an accident during the US Grand Prix Riders Union race.
Lenz, of Vancouver, Washington was killed in an incident which took place on the warm-up lap for the race after falling from his bike and being struck by that of competitor Xavier Zayat – who was not injured - whilst lying in the middle of the track.
Although early reports brought with them no signs of hope, the fatality was not confirmed until Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) officials had received complete verification that Lenz’s family was aware of the accident. It is believed that Tech 3 MotoGP rider Colin Edwards was a close friend of Lenz.
“Colin was, I guess, quite close with him,” second-placed MotoGP finisher Ben Spies is quoted as saying by the IndyStar, having learned of the death approximately 90 minutes before the start of the main event.
“I could see it crushed Colin pretty bad before the race. It's the race in life, unfortunately. There's nothing really that can be said right now that's positive.
“I told myself before the race, I was riding my heart out for him today. I've lost a team-mate in the past, my best friend. He was at an age at least he knew what he was doing; he obviously loved it. He knew how dangerous it could be.”
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