13-year-old motorcycle racer dies after crash at Indy

UPDATE The U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union said it plans to review its rules and safety requirements after an incident in which a 13-year-old motorcycle racer was killed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Washington, died of “traumatic injuries" on Aug. 29 after he crashed during a warm-up lap before a race and was run over by another rider. Lenz was the first person killed at the track since IndyCar driver Tony Renna in October 2003.

Stewart Aitken-Cade, a spokesman for the USGPRU, said it will review all aspects of the incident.

“Will it be a ‘formal’ review? Yes, in that we will sit down and look at the rules we enforce, what we regulate, control, and require of these racers and tracks to see if there is anything that we can do to make things safer," Aitken-Cade said in an e-mail. “Will I have some sort of outside agency come in to do some independent review? No, not at this time."

The U.S. Grand Prix Racing Union said on its website that its goal is to provide a springboard for talented American and Canadian riders between the ages of 12-18 who want to make the jump to professional racing. All riders have to be licensed to race.

08/29/10 A 13-year-old motorcycle racer died Sunday after falling off his bike and getting run over by another motorcycle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Peter Lenz of Vancouver, Wash., was pronounced dead by the Marion County coroner after sustaining "traumatic injuries." The accomplished teenage rider crashed on a warm-up lap before his race and was struck by 12-year-old Xavier Zayat, who was uninjured in the accident.

Medical workers immediately placed Lenz in a neck brace, put him on a stretcher and began chest compressions while taking him to a hospital. The coroner confirmed his death about 3 hours later, the first at the speedway since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed in October 2003.

"Peter passed away early this morning when he was apparently struck by another rider," said a posting Sunday on Lenz's Facebook page, which was signed "Dad."

"He passed doing what he loved and had his go fast face on as he pulled onto the track," the posting said. "The world lost one of its brightest lights today. God Bless Peter and the other rider involved. 45 is on another road we can only hope to reach. Miss you kiddo."