From Mexico new wiretranslated) Ensenada, B.C. - The Californian rider Kurt Caselli died this afternoon during the 46th SCORE Baja 1000, this after suffering a head impact when was stalking the race leader, Colton Udal. Caselli, 30 years old, was part of the team with his fellow KTM, Elena Santos Junior, Kendall Norman and Mike Brown, participated in Class 22 motorcycle aboard 2x. Precisely the American had started on Thursday ahead within the competition, this after winning the first qualification of motorcycles in the history of SCORE International and Lows, in what is a story that fills in mourning the Off-Road or off-road . This year, Kurt debuted at Dakar Rally as a replacement Spanish Marc Coma after injuring the latter and managed to win several stages, ending at position 31 in general. Currently Caselli was second in the championship of the 22 and was a favorite to win the 1000 miles, after finishing second in the Baja 500 and San Felipe 250 A little earlier the booby trap was mentioned, now gone.
I've seen those fuckin booby traps myself. Helped to knock one down in 2010. Whatever caused his wreck is irrelevant. He's gone. No sense in being angry. His friends and family need all the love and positive vibes we can muster in these sad hours.
It's all over the web already with Scotty B. posting memorial pics, so I fear it doesn't get much more official. Or less true. What a tragedy. Kurt was a bright new light on the international rally scene. Everybody loved to watch him race.
I've seen those fuckin booby traps myself. Helped to knock one down in 2010. Whatever caused his wreck is irrelevant. He's gone. No sense in being angry. His friends and family need all the love and positive vibes we can muster in these sad hours.
Dying or getting injured while racing due to an "act of God", weather, mechanical, or other accident where there is no mal intent is one thing. It's part of the sport, and everyone understands that. Having someone get injured or killed due to a deliberate act is absolutely something to be angry about. I've never understood the acceptance of booby traps in baja. RIP Mr. Caselli Full respect for a life well lived. **added** <ADDED> It's looking like there was no booby trap involved in Kurt's accident. I still hate booby traps and anyone that builds one. I wish there was a way to run Baja without them. Sadly, I don't think it's possible in Mexico to have that kind of control of the course.
It is reported that Colton Udall crashed into a cattle guard in 5th gear and destroyed his front wheel. He lost a bunch of time. Still he managed to get the 1x across first. The last race report that I saw prior to the report of a Casselli Off was that he was less than 2min behind Colton. Given that informed sources are now saying it wasn't a booby trap we should probably not go down that rabbit hole and stick with what we know. Cheers
From Barcelona, my respect and admiration. Kurt Caselli was a rush of fresh air for all. Cheered for him since day one last year when I first heard his name.
Sad sad news RIP, A fresh smile, new american spirit for the Dakar. Prayers and thoughts for his family and friends. Quite a few from the rally fraternity up there now. I am sure Ivan will show him around.
