Motorcycle Racer, 13, Dies on Indy Speedway

Peter Lenz struck by 12-year-old during warm-up lap
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 30, 2010 1:20 AM CDT
Motorcycle Racer, 13, Dies on Indy Speedway
Medical personnel struggle to save the life of 13-year-old Peter Lenz after he crashed on the Indianapolis Speedway during a motorcycle race yesterday.   (AP Photo/Jimmy Dawson)

A 13-year-old motorcycle racer was killed yesterday after crashing on the Indianapolis Speedway. Peter Lenz wiped out during a warm-up lap before the Red Bull Indianapolis GP race, and was run over by a 12-year-old driver, who wasn't seriously injured in the accident, reports ABC News. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, but know that Peter is racing even faster in the sky," said a statement from Peter's family.

A note from his father on his Facebook page said the teen "passed doing what he loved and had his 'go-fast face' on when he pulled onto the track. I'm going to miss you, kiddo," his dad added. Peter was the youngest ever to die on the Indianapolis Speedway. The last death of a racer on the track occurred in 2003. The race Peter was competing in was launched in 2002 and is intended to offer young riders the opportunity to compete in challenging races. Lenz began racing at the age of 5, according to his web page.
(More Peter Lenz stories.)

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