KTM factory motorcycle racer Kurt Caselli was killed last night as he was racing this year's running of the Baja 1000. It's not immediately clear what happened, but early reports are that he was killed when he hit some sort of man-made booby trap set by locals along the course.
Caselli, 30, was near the end of the race when he hit the obstacle around 5 PM PST yesterday. He was transported to the hospital with major head injuries, according to Dirt Bike Magazine, but unfortunately succumbed to them during the night.
Details are still emerging, but booby traps are not uncommon to the Baja. Locals dig holes or build ramps or build obstacles not always with the intent to injure, but sometimes with the intent to create an opportunity for entertainment. They're often haphazardly built, and with a complete disregard for safety.
Caselli wasn't just your average racer, either. He was a three-time Hare & Hounds champion, a competitor at Dakar, a winner of the Desafio Ruta 40 Rally in Argentina, and was running near to or at the lead throughout the Baja.
This kind of incident was completely avoidable, and there's no word yet of any potential suspects being charged with any sort of crime. KTM has yet to release an official statement, either through normal channels or social media, but we'll update you as we have more information.
Photo via Facebook
H/t to Busslayer
Racer Kurt Caselli Killed By Booby Trap At The Baja 1000