Kurt Caselli Passes away ..

There have been thousands of post about this great man on every sight you can think of. Every one who ever met him came away with a story. Over the years of racing in the Desert and the National Hare and hounds I had talked to him and even lined up next to him on the line. It did not matter to him what you rode or how fast you were he always had time for you Here is a esample of how he was When he got back from Dakar and he was out at one of the Nationals I rode up to him and asked how was Dakar? Just think how many people had already asked him that questions. Well he saw I was on a Husky so he started off telling me about the Dakar Husky how fast they were and how hard he had to work to beat them. He was a Factory KTM guy he did not have to talk to me about the Husky But he must have know that for me the story of Dakar would be more interesting if we talked about something I would want to hear That was Kurt the most down to earth guy you had ever met If you never knew him I hope this one esample
will help you under stand. RIP My friend the world has lost a great man

Way cool John... RIP Kurt.

No, booby traps at baja are commonly constructed by spectators along the route as obstacles. Its been done for years and will continue to be done. Its part of the race as much as people standing dangerously close trying to get a photo. I hope they do find out who did it but in reality as others have said nothing likely will be done. Senseless tragedy, but a risk that Kurt and every racer is well aware of.

Statement from Taylor Robert's FB page

I want to make something very clear and stop the rumors. Kurt Caselli did not crash because of a man made booby trap, a spectator, or any other nonsense that people are saying about his accident. My teammate Ricky Brabec was the fist person to Kurt which was in a very secluded area with no Spectators. Ivan Ramirez showed up shortly after Ricky. They decided Ricky would go get help while Ivan stayed with Kurt. Even though the news didn't come out until the night time the accident happened while there was still daylight, and didn't have anything to do with racing at night. This was merely a racing accident and had nothing to do with booby traps, spectators, or another vehicle so please stop spreading rumors.

I finally sat down last night after getting home and settled from my race and took a look at my AMA magazine that I just got in the mail a few days ago. There was Caselli on the cover. Crazy.
Im glad it wasnt a booby trap that claimed his life. I know the Baja spectators do some silly stuff out there. Making makeshift jumps and what not. I think the biggest concern here would be how long was it until he received medical attention. But hey, thats just another component of racing. It is dangerous. Especially Baja. Thats why there are people like Caselli. To thrill Joe Schmoe local racers like me with their bravery, skill, drive, etc.
As they played the National Anthem yesterday before the race, I wanted to yell out his name. I had hoped someone on the mic would say something about him but they did not. I just lowered my head.

Headline News posted this on Youtube.


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PmNSTkYucw

K5PL5,

I raced BSSR in the AM race at Blue Diamond yesterday, and there was a statement and a moment of silence before the national anthem. Hope that makes you feel better.

Thats good to hear.
Thanks

From fellow competitor (and fast guy)Scott Meyers.

Well I finally made it home from another Baja 1000 Class win and 3rd overall but as much as I try to enjoy it I just can't stop thinking about my Friend that I lost last night Kurt Caselli. It breaks my heart to think that he is gone. I was the Second rider after Ricky Brabec to come along on race course to the scene of the accident but I did not stop. I saw Ivan Ramirez waving his hands to slow d...own along with a Policia with his lights on sitting right in the middle of the road. I had know idea in the world what had actually happen as I was only told that KTM had run out of gas. I see now that KTM posted that he had run into some type of animal and I sit here thinking about the 4 coyotes I almost hit coming through the same section. I even had one try and chase me out of a corner. Kurt was my friend and he was the most talented Offroad rider I've ever known and I am so sad to know he is gone. I have had so so many close calls that I couldn't begin to even count them. Kurt was such a truly awesome guy and so much fun to be around. He will be truly missed by so many and I can only hope for one thing and that is just maybe he is with his father again and he has a big smile on his face. I will miss him.

Technically, the first person past Kurt was Team Honda. They didn't even bother stop. Gps tracker shows them passing right by Kurt's location and it was a tight section. Sad that winning means more to some people than someone else's safety.

But really, the only real finger I am going to point is at Ricky, who in my heart is a true hero. And this isn't the first time Ricky has stopped for someone in a life threatening situation. He stopped and stayed with another friend of ours for over two hours before they were air lifted out, most likely saving his life. His dad and I are good friends, drinking beer, smoking cigars and look'n at half naked women at the river, I know them well. Ricky is a good rider and a great person, I thank you.

Kurt was a great person, funny. He was from my motorcycle club, the prospectors. He had a partial on his front bridge of teeth and would always mess with people by taking it out and flicker his tongue through it, cracked me up. I remember one time he drained all the gas out of the club member's bikes and went around lighting creosote bushes on fire. I thought it was hilarious. The next time we're out at our old riding hang out, I will burn a creosote bush for Kurt, I'm sure he will be laughing.

That is such a cool insight Tink...
I suspect (afraid) there is more intell from the sky, spot etc that will come out though.

FYI Blais racing Post,
"We are having a "Flashlight Vigil" this Saturday night 6PM for Kurt at the Blais/KTM pit at the 100's National, N. Anderson, Lucerne. No candles in case of wind. Bring your flashlights, your chairs and we will have prayer by Team True and share stories of our Hero! Spread the word!
Memorial Ride Celebrating the life of Kurt Caselli - After the final checkered flag of the National Youth Hare and Hound, 2PM. Spread the word! #blaisracing #fmf #ktm #nhha "

https://plus.google.com/communities/107335119995003009103?utm_source=chrome_ntp_icon&utm_medium=chrome_app&utm_campaign=chrome

Memorial ride@Nationals. Husqvarna Ajax-John is here somewhere!








My favorite picture. Rest in peace friend.

Oh and fyi, the Caselli memorial is at Glen Helen this Friday.

http://www.glenhelen.com/2013/11/21/kurt-caselli-memorial-ride/