Tragedy Claims the Lives of Two MotoAmerica Racers

It is with a heavy heart that we have to report the passing of Daniel Rivas (pictured after the jump) and Bernat Martinez (pictured above), both of whom died during today’s MotoAmerica Superbike/Superstock 1000 race.

The multi-bike incident occurred during the start of the race and included other riders who were more fortunate, such as Josh Chisum, Devon McDonough, & Kevin Pinkstaff.

Fan video of the start shows Rivas’ bike going down the front straight of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and then lose speed relative to the rest of the starting grid.

On the ground, Rivas was ultimately struck by another rider. He was airlifted to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, where he succumbed to injuries. He was 27.

One of the riders involved in the aftermath was Bernat Martinez, who was less fortunate than the rest. After the incident, he was transported from the raceway by ambulance to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, where he too succumbed to his injuries. He was 35.

By coincidence, both Rivas and Martinez were Spanish racers — Rivas from Moana Galicia and Martinez from Alberic, near Valencia — and were competing in MotoAmerica’s Superbike class this weekend, at Laguna Seca.

“I really don’t have any words to describe what we all feel,” said Wayne Rainey, President of MotoAmerica. “First and foremost, is the loss to the families and loved ones. Our sincere condolences goes out to each and every one of them as well as the MotoAmerica family. They are in our thoughts and prayers.”

“We are deeply saddened to learn the news of the passing of Bernat Martinez and Daniel Rivas,” added Gill Campbell, CEO and General Manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “Our prayers and hearts go out to their families and teams.”

This loss will surely be felt in the tight-knit MotoAmerica for some time. A&R wishes to express our condolences to the family, friends, and team members of Daniel and Bernat.