Carlin Dunne, of the Ducati Team Spider Grips, died Sunday within sight of the finish line at the 97th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He was a four-time winner of the event, aged 36, and defending the title he won in 2018.
He was set to break the lap record on his Ducati Streetfighter V4 prototype, and had just passed the final corner, when he apparently hit a bump, lost control of the bike, and crashed.
This is the official announcement from the race organizers:
Colorado Springs, Colorado (US), 30 June 2019 – The collective hearts of the Colorado Springs community and the Board of Directors of The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, along with Ducati North America, share the grief and pain of Carlin Dunne’s family, friends and fans over his untimely death.
“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.
Another guy – coupla years ago – crashed right at the finish line too.
Very unfortunate. It’s pretty rough up there at the top, all gravel and beat up…
Something they never really worry about running the cars I guess. RIP.