Red Bull Rookies' Cup Rider Killed at VIR

[desmoquattro]

http://superbikeplanet.com/2008/Aug/080818j.htm

Statement regarding the accident at the Virginia International Raceway Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup event:

Toriano Wilson, a road racer from Bermuda, fell on the track during the first lap and was accidentally struck by another rider while attempting to get out of the way.

Toriano was airlifted to UNC Medical Center for treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead early Monday morning. The other rider was transported to Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC and suffered a broken left arm and broken left femur. He is in a stable condition.


The AMA and Red Bull have a long history in racing and every effort is made to create the safest possible environment for all participants. Unfortunately, racing also carries inherent risks. This was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with both families at this time.

Very heavy stuff. We all know that racers sometimes get killed, but we never expect to see happen to someone so young.

[sqweak]

What a shame.  RIP.

[gm2]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Aug/e/n080819a.htm
http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=33820

haven't seen anything from Schwantz yet.  i bet that poor guy is barely holding it together.

RIP Toriano.

[sqweak]

http://www.torianowilson26memorial.blogspot.com/

From Kevin Schwantz, Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Rider Coach:"Toriano was always full of good energy and fun, but when it came time to get ready to race, he was ready and focused. He was a practical joker at heart. I certainly wasn't immune to Toriano's joking. He got me good a few times!""Toriano was a great kid and a hard rider. As the season progressed, he harnessed his riding style and started garnering some really good results. On any given day, it could be the #26 bike at the front. He was that talented.""Toriano will be missed."

-Kevin Schwantz

[ducpainter]

Don't mean to sound crass....

I didn't know Toriano.

I watched this kid ride.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=32537

[Stillie]

Don't mean to sound crass....

I didn't know Toriano.

I watched this kid ride.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=32537

I was there when he died unfortunately. So hard to imagine when you're racing someone the day before only to have them taken away the next day.

I'm very glad that I skipped VIR because my friends were watching from the hill that overlooks the series of corners where the incident took place.