Tragedy overshadows Indy racing
Racing of any form is a dangerous sport, but nothing highlights how vulnerable and exposed motorcycle racers are more than the sad and tragic death of 13-year-old Peter Lenz at a warm-up event for last Sunday's Indianapolis MotoGP.
The racing accident happened on the morning of the MotoGP race.
Lenz fell in a warm-up lap and tried to get up but was then struck by another rider. He received medical treatment trackside but died later that day in hospital.
The news filtered through to all of us at the track slowly but in racing, when you're on the grid and the lights go out, riders have to put all other thoughts out of your mind.
There was no doubt, though, that on a hot and gruelling day it hit each and every one of the 17 elite-class riders.
After the race, won by Dani Pedrosa - his third win of the season - many of the riders spoke about the death of such a young rider and how it affected them.
Ben Spies, starting a MotoGP race from pole for the very first time, collected a well-deserved second place, his second podium finish of his debut season.
The American Tech 3 rider dedicated the race to Peter Lenz. "I was riding my heart out for him. It definitely did put a damper before the race but, when the green flag goes, you've got to look straight ahead and hope it will give me some motivation out there."
The race was especially hard for Spies' teammate Colin Edwards, who was a close friend of the family.
Edwards retired from the race after 17 laps because of tyre trouble and said: "I was shattered after I heard the news. I have known Peter for a while and am good friends with him and his dad. They were in and out of my motorhome this weekend and when I heard the news my heart ached. In the end, I decided to race. I knew it was what I had to do."
The death of Lenz is the first at the famous Brickyard circuit since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed during testing in October 2003 and is a tragic reminder of the dangers of racing.
Whilst I could have written my blog about the famous museum at the track or the searing Indiana heat or the amazing history of the Brickyard, I thought it was more appropriate to remember Peter and all the amazing sportsmen and women who have passed away doing what they, and we, love.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Peter. May he rest in peace.
Hello, I'm Jennie Gow and I'll be guiding you through this year's MotoGP coverage on the BBC. I've been working in the biking world ever since I started out in TV, covering Speedway and Motocross before my move into the world of Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Nicky Hayden et al. Anyway, I hope you enjoy my blog and all the gossip and tales I'll be bringing from the grid and paddock.
Comments