FILE - KTM rider Kurt Caselli of the U.S. talks to a KTM team member after the 14th stage of the Dakar Rally from La Serena to Santiago, Chile, in this Jan. 19, 2013 file photo. Caselli died Friday Nov. 15, 2013 after wrecking in the Baja 1000 in Mexico, event sanctioning body Score International said Saturday. the 30-year-old Caselli, from Palmdale, Calif., died of trauma after losing control of his KTM in a sandy, high-speed section while leading with about 100 miles left, according to Score (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano, File) (A2013)
An American motorcycle racer considered one of the best in the country died during the Baja 1000 competition in Mexico.
KTM rider Kurt Caselli apparently crashed into an animal, causing him to spin out of control, according to Fox Sports.
Score International, the event sanctioning body, said the 30-year-old Caselli, from Palmdale, Calif., died of trauma after crashing his KTM in a sandy, high-speed section while leading with about 100 miles left.
Caselli won the San Felipe 250 last season and finished second and third in the other two Score Baja races this season. He won two stages in the Dakar Rally in January, and took the Desafio Ruta 40 Rally in June in Argentina.
"Our desert racing family has lost a very special person in Kurt," Score President Roger Norman said. "Kurt was a superb racer and this is a tragedy that affects us all. We extend our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Caselli family. Their loss is immeasurable and we grieve with them."
Based on reporting by The Associated Press.
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