Lorenzo Somaschini Dies After Junior Moto Racing Accident

Cataleya

June 19, 2024 · 1 min read

Lorenzo Somaschini Dies After Junior Moto Racing Accident
Moto-GP | June 19, 2024
Lorenzo Somaschini was participating in Friday's Honda Junior Cup free practice at Interlagos, a renowned Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. (Image: Getty)

Lorenzo Somaschini, a nine-year-old Argentine motorbike rider, tragically passed away following a severe crash during a practice session at a junior competition in Brazil. The incident occurred at the Interlagos track in Sao Paulo during the free practice for the Honda Junior Cup, a prominent youth racing event in the region. Medical personnel immediately attended to Lorenzo, who hailed from Rosario, and initially stabilized his condition.

However, his condition deteriorated, and they transferred him to intensive care at Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital on Saturday. Despite their efforts to save him, Lorenzo succumbed to his injuries on Monday as confirmed by event organizers SuperBike Brazil. In a heartfelt statement, SuperBike Brazil expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident, extending condolences to Lorenzo’s family and friends.

Known affectionately as Lolo, the young rider adorned his bike with the number 99 in homage to MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo, a detail that deeply touched the retired Spanish rider upon learning of the accident. The Junior Honda Cup caters to young riders between the ages of eight and sixteen, featuring modified motorbikes equipped with specially adapted pedals and handlebars tailored to their age and skill level.

These bikes can achieve speeds up to 100 km/h (62 miles per hour), offering a challenging yet controlled environment for budding motorbike enthusiasts.