Tragic accident at Pikes Peak
Australian Rennie Scaysbrook took an incredible victory at Pikes Peak overnight on a factory backed Aprilia RSV4. Scaysbrook is only the second foreigner to win the infamous Pikes Peak Hill Climb, a race steeped in American racing folklore since its first running more than a century ago.
Ducati’s Carlin Dunne had taken pole position for the famous event and it was shaping up to be an epic battle betwee Dunne and Scaysbrook come race day over the 156-turn, 20-kilometre Pikes Peak course.
Ride Pikes Peak with Rennie
Remember Rennie had no idea of Dunne’s death at this point
Scaysbrook took the win while Dunne, on a prototype factory backed Ducati V4 Streetfighter, crashed just metres from the finish line.
Dunne had been the favourite as he raced for his fifth Pikes Peak title, a race that Ducati has put massive resources behind in what is one of the most high profile events for the Italian brand in North America.
Bystanders at first thought that Dunne was going to be okay and it was not until later that the collective hearts of the Colorado Springs community and the Board of Directors of The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb sank to share the grief and pain of Carlin Dunne’s family, friends and fans over his untimely death at 36-years of age.
Dunne is the seventh death which has been attributed to participation in the 97-year running of the event.
Pikes Peak Official Statement
“Throughout the 97 years that this unique race has been conducted on America’s Mountain, we have experienced the ultimate joy in victory, the disappointment of failure and now, the unexpected heartbreak of the loss of a competitor, whose love of the race brought him to Pikes Peak. We mourn the tragic death of Carlin and he will remain in our hearts forever as part of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb family. Carlin will be remembered as a warm hearted mentor with a competitive spirit. He was a gentle and thoughtful man who touched everyone who met him. We will always remember his contagious smile and genuine love for sport”. The Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
“There are no words to describe our shock and sadness. Carlin was part of our family and one of the most genuine and kind men we have ever known. His spirit for this event and love of motorcycling will be remembered forever as his passing leaves a hole in our hearts,” said Jason Chinnock, CEO Ducati North America.
With our deepest condolence.
Source: MCNews.com.au