The death of a 13-year-old motorcycle rider at Indianapolis Motor Speedway cast a shadow over Sunday's races at the historic track and prompted mourning competitors to defend the development system for the dangerous circuit.
Article Source: NBC Sports
from:NBC SportsMotorcycle rider, 13, dies after crash at Indy
Seeded on Sun Aug 29, 2010 1:29 PM EDT (NBC Sports)
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Such tragedy... so sad
The tragedy is the parents that allowed this senseless situation to happen. I am tired about hearing about children talked about in death that "they died doing what they loved". Complete bulls**t!
That's exactly what I was thinking. Heck can't even get a real driver's license yet and we all know the statistics of four wheel drivers!! I'm sorry, but really, parenting fail.
what a dip@!$%# comment... have a good day, farmer - sounds like you could use one.
AT least farmer has his kids, metal.
Emotional response. Plenty of things kids can do that have dangers involved, no need to cushion them. Not the parents fault - it was an accident people. Should we not let our kids do anything, then?
Good post, Capt Tripps.
My first *emotional* reaction was: A kid that young should only be riding a bike with pedals.
However, if he had the talent and the support of his parents, then he was right where he wanted to be. This is not a "parental fail", as someone else posted, rather just a terrible and unfortunate incident. So many others in the sport who started young have turned out no worse for the wear (Travis Pastrana comes to mind).
Geez, Mrs. Moblee and I worried ourselves to death when our son was playing high school football, but he turned out relatively okay...
Support the parents who supported their son.
First off, my condolences go out to the family of Peter Lenz and my thought also go out to Xavier Zayat. Zayat will have to live with knowing that he caused Lenz's death, even though he was in no way responsible for what happened. That is a lot for a 12 year old to deal with emotionally.
I am not one for overly shielding kids, but having 12 and 13 year old kids riding motorcycles capable of doing in excess of 100 mph seems to be pushing things a little. There is a big difference between riding motocross on a dirt track and riding on a high speed paved oval. Impacts that an adult body can live through can kill a child. An adults bones are stronger and an adult generally has more 'meat on the bones' to help absorb impacts. While kids can recover more quickly from injuries they are also more susceptible to injuries to start with. A child's bones are not as hard as an adults and therefor break more easily.
I tihink that this is one sport that is better left to older kids and adults. Maybe a minimum age of 16 would be appropriate for this type of racing. There are ither forms of racing for younger children that do not present these high risks of injury. Regardless of statistics, one death is too much. I do not remember the last time I heard of a death in motocross racing.
Although accidents happen there is a reason a motor vehicle licence is not issued to someone under 16. Given the statistics of accidents involving 16-18 y/o, many are still not responsible drivers. Parents can not shield their kids from every possible mishap or tragedy but they don't need to support dangerous endeavors either. Another case in point is, that 16 y/o girl who attempted to sail the world alone.
It's always sad when a child dies, but I see little reason to support fool hardy dangerous endeavors with the excuse; Gee others survived. Others survive drunk driving accidents. Is impaired reasoning a reason to condone it?
Nothing easy ever makes a champion. What is funny, is that there will be an inquiry and a hundred new restrictions. Bad things happen and it's aweful when they do, but we cannot shelter everyone from anything unsafe, then we are just killing our adventurous spirit.
We cannot wrap our children up in bubble wrap all the time; while I agree that precautions should be taken - we should put our children in car seats and they should wear helmets, etc. our children must be allowed to live happy fulfilled lives - which Peter did.
I will bet every one of us has taken our children out in a car on a highway, every day maybe -- the statistics on that are far worse for fatalities; and I can attest from personal knowledge that these parents had always used car seats when their kids were young.
they are good, caring parents who did take precautions. Their son died in a accident - there but for the grace of G-d . . .
Yes, we have had too much experience with inattentive parents -- some who almost never knew where their kids were or what they were doing; that was NEVER the case with the Lenz'
They were attentive, caring parents and the kids always had the proper training and equipment for whatever they were involved in (anything from cub scouts and motocross to horse riding!)-- with the parents taking an active interest and involvement.
It's frustrating that people are quick to judge instead of the having the instinct simply to have compassion.
This is the comment I wrote over at the CBS site where I read this tragic story (the first seed I saw this on was "Sir Richard Owen" page). I am just going to c & p it rather than rewrite...
"To all of those people blaming the parents, Give Me a Freaking Break!!!
Does no one know how to read or have any sense of comprehension anymore? The article plainly stated that the boy passed away doing something He Loved to Do. I am sure the parents struggled with the decision to allow him to race in the first place, knowing the dangers the child faced. As the mother of a daughter who races cars, I KNOW what this is like. My daughter started racing at the age of 14 (which is the legal age for a racer on a track here in Canada). As a mom, I feared for her daily. She had to take a racing course (which as the youngest in the class she passed with flying colours), and her car was built to her specs. Her very first race was a heart-wrenching experience, but she did awesome and came in 17 out of 25. Not bad for 14. But then, the phone call came one Thursday night while doing a practice run. She hit an oil slick and went into the wall at 120km's/hour. She hit so hard her helmet flew off. I made to to the hospital, which was 75km's away in record time. Yes, seeing my baby on a board strapped down with a neck brace was terrifying. Thank God she was ok. A few scrapes, some bruises, and a written off car. BUT, she still wanted to continue. She does what she loves. And she is Good At It. She is now 16 and could probably out drive most adults I know. Not to mention, as someone else already pointed out, country kids (such as mine) begin driving cars, ATV's, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes, as young as 8-9. Most parents who allow their kids to get into the competitive side of it make sure that the kids KNOW that they are on a vehicle that can KILL and are taught Respect, and a thorough knowledge of how said vehicle operates. No One I know has let their child enter into any competition without taking all of the risks into account.
JMHO as a mom of a teen racer..."
Prayers for strength and peace to each family.
RIP there kiddo. Condolences to the family.
A young life cut short. Condolences to the family of course; accidents can happen anytime. Thoughts go with the 12-year old who couldn't avoid hitting the 13-yr old.
To me, this is just too young to be competing in such a dangerous sport. While the boy have been doing "waht he loved" it doesn't mean it has to be allowed. There are times when it has to be said that a sport is too dangerous and kids need to grow up more before they can start or compete.
is it tho? You're basing that on one article, one death. What do the statistics say? Because I don't think it supports your opinion.
Skiing is probably more dangerous than a kid trained to ride doing what this one was.
Hi Capt....my second paragraph, of sorts :) gives a generic statement about a dangerous sport. It is only an opinion :) I'll restate it though: there are times when it has to be said that a sport is too dangerous and kids need to grow up more before they can start to compete.
I ride horses, hunter and jumpers and I see small kids, under the age of 8, who compete on some pretty attitude filled ponies. Granted, the safety measures, helmets that are mandatory and protective vests that are voluntary except in certain areas of the sport, have come a long way in protecting riders, but, a horse has a mind of their own and no one ever knows when a horse is going to follow plain instinct. Even though I know people who were more or less born in the saddle, having a young child compete on some of these ponies is just plain dangerous.
I am not condemning the parents, on the contrary they must be in a lot of pain to lose a child. I feel very badly for the 12 y/o that is physically OK but it will effect him emotionally.
My concern is that there are age appropriate sporting events. When both mind and body are more developed. Granted some children develop at different rates but it's hard to differentiate.
We have laws that state 16 is the age you qualify for a motor vehicle drivers licence. Why is it OK to go at break neck speeds around a track but not go at more moderate speeds on steets and highways? Do those of you who support this sport believe these same kids should be allowed a licence at 12 or 13 to drive on those streets and highways?
While we're at it take the skateboards,Rollerblades, BMX bikes etc....kids and young adults are into. After all they get brain injuries or die from them (they drown and get hit by lightning too). It was a freak accident not bad parenting. What a shame for the family.
Right, b/c you can really compare the two.
Oh brother.
I would like to see the statistics on skateboards and BMX - (there was just recently a fatality on a BMX track also); I wouldn't be surprised if the injury rate is actually higher.
There is no need to disparage the grieving family. RIP Peter Lenz. Condolences to the family.
Hmmm, so it's legal to let a 13 year old race motorcycles but illegal for an adult to drive an automobile without a seatbelt. What's wrong with this picture???
The problem is the government having any say in our personal lives. If a parent believes it is ok for his 13 yr old to race, so be it. If an adult doesn't want to wear a seat belt, so be it. You have the right to make your own decisions and need to be responsible for the end result. The government has no right to rule your personal lives and has no responsibility for the results of those choices.
so if a parent decides that their children don't need to attend school - that should be o.k. - personal choices.
if a parent decides that their children can drink wine at each meal - that should be o.k. - personal choices.
if a parent decides that their children don't need any immunizations - that should be o.k. - personal choices.
and I guess if a parent doesn't want to drive sober - that should be o.k. - personal choices
Society passes Laws to protect itself from unreasonable expenses due to the actions of people.
Lots of people become injured/killed in vehicle accidents = extra safety measures/regulations and many Laws.
Few injured/killed in sanctioned motor sports accidents = regulations on required safety equipment & few Laws.
Freedom of choice and the ability to take reasonable risks. Separates humans from animals. It is your choice in life....
What do you want on your headstone? Died - 'windsurfing' or died - 'surfing the web'?????
Robertson; I don't think I want either of your options, neither is my hobby. As an equestrian I think maybe "What a Hell of Ride" is more to my liking if I didn't plan to be cremated and scattered to the 4 winds.
As an equestrian who started riding at 5 almost 1/2 a century ago I also would have to agree with Lynn post 4.2. We do take chances but they also need to be weighted chances using responsible reasoning. When we are children we defer to our parents to set reasonable boundaries. And I grant you we don't always obey. But I do see the wisdom in age appropriate sporting competition.
Accidents will always happen we can't prepare for every eventuality but we can at least attempt to proceed with reasonable caution. We all hate to see kids die or be injured for life and some of us have seen far more than others.
May both boys and their families find peace.
My mother bought my first bike when I was 14. You could get a permit when you were 15.5 and I had been driving farm tractors for years. Shooting guns/hunting sense 9, privileges come withresponsibilities and the ability to make responsible decisions.
My son and daughters all were taught this early. They are now Chem/Bio Engr, rock/mountain climbers, and world explorers, not afraid to try the unknown and enjoy life.
When I worked/raced motor-cross, we always watched the youngsters, because until they wrecked once or twice hey had no fear. This is what slowed the older riders down, the question of 'What If', and the perceived repercussions on their families. The real fast ones could always pushed this to the back of their mind, to be successful. Ha! Ha!
When is to young?? IMO - It is when they do not ask the question, to start with. Only the family will know this. If they enjoyed what they were doing, were responsible, and had the skills. Better than sitting in front of the computer and afraid to cross the street.
More kids are killed in football and permanently injured in baseball, than were ever hurt/killed in sanctioned motor-events. It is so common that the News Media does not even report it, just like car accidents/deaths.
Prayers out to the family
I still ride and used to race motorcycles at sanctioned events. it's fun but experience and skill cannot necessarily prevent the old Murphy's law factor. bottom line is when I was a police officer (18 years) I saw more kids killed racing their cars & motorcycles on the street than i ever saw at sanctioned racing events. This is really not a winnable argument as things happen in every sport. and the previous blogger was statistically correct. most kids are injured and killed playing football and baseball.
I watched the MotoGp race at Indy today although not the one that involved this crash. Most of these guys race for years w/o drama and most started before the age of 12 or 13, We can't change the decisions folks make about the sports they want to participate in so finger pointing is silly. Just enjoy your life, do what you like and if you die while knitting a sweater then who do we blame for that. it was a tragic accident and I wish all the prayers for the family.
I agree we shouldn't shelter our kids, but i would never no matter what allow my child to drive until they are legal age to drive for one, I understand its a sport and a hobby of what he loved, but there is a reason this world as horrible as some think it is gave us limitations on what we could do, I feel sorry for this family, my heart goes out to them but him dieing doing what he loved is just away for someone to feel better about it and they have a right to look at it what ever way they feel but I bet if you ask that lil angel would he have rather died at 13 doing what he loved or grown to graduate high school and college and have a family of his own, i could just about bet he would have wanted the last one. never the less god is holding him right now while he is looking down taking care of his parents and friends. no offense to his family but maybe this will make the world think and parents think of putting a little more guide lines on finding other hobbies for your children. and I forget which parent it was that said the whole sheltering our children comment, I agree but I also disagree, every child deserves to have a life, but it is our job as parents to love and protect our children and if means letting them go skating where they can break their arm or leg that is something that when done the parent can live with and baby their child because they still have their child to hold and love and cherish, but to allow a child do get into a sport that involves driving at them speeds and now they can't take care of their baby or hold him. it is not bad parenting, they were not bad parents, they just should have put more thought into what could happen at the drop of a dime. sometimes the fun we have ends in our hearts being broken. god bless your family my prayers are with you....
And I also agree with B Dune.
I don't think you could have said it any better
The truth is that the worlds greatest MotoGP riders started riding at 5-6 years of age or even younger. It isn't the safest pastime for teenagers, but how many children die from drugs/ alcohol or from other random traumatic injuries. This child lived a life of exhileration and great happiness. His parents should be proud of his skill and passion for success.
My prayers to the family. A child is irreplaceable. A lifetime of sorrow.. May God rest his soul.
To the insensitive people who post irreverant comments, don't tempt Karma. Consider this loss as your own, be respectful and compassionate to these poor people, and be thankful that your children are safe and healthy.
There are 100 safer sports for 12 year olds to do....you have to be a retarded Parent to allow your CHILD to Race at 100 MPH on a Motorcycle. Thats the bottom line.
I hate to be repetitive but . . .
name the 100 safer sports and please provide links that show they are safer -- you might be surprised by the rate of injuries in many of the sports you think are 'safe'
I would like to know myself..
My sympathies go out the this boys family. I have lived nearly 60 years, and in the grand scheme of things,haven't really accomplished a whole lot. Many of you posting on here think this boy should not have been allowed to do what he enjoyed, saying he's too young. The fact of the matter is he had a life he enjoyed. (albeit brief.) He had the support of his friends and family, and he accomplished things that most could never hope to. I wish all you nay sayers all the best in what you do, and to Peter, where ever you are now, with credit to Mr. Garth Brooks, let me say," good ride cowboy".
I also attended the MotoGP at Indy and witnessed this tragic accident. It did not make my day!!. This young rider was an experienced rider and was mature enough to have his arms raised in the air to make himself more visible to the oncoming riders while sitting on the track. I am an RN and felt totally and completely helpless being unable to help him. My condolences and prayers to his family and to the young rider that hit him. One might stop and think before criticizing the parenting of others. Parenting does not stop with the age of your child, it is ongoing through your life and theirs. Godspeed Peter, you were far beyond your years in your talent. Wrap your arms around you parents and whisper how much you love them. And to the parents that read this, wrap your arms around your children and tell them how much you love them for our children are a gift from God and when He decides He wants them to come home to Him you will have no control over that decision.
The IMS staff had to deal with a no win situation and their efforts should be commended.
we need to remember is if the child is racing at the track with parents permission, we are offended. What do we say when he comes from a friends house with the news he was on a motorcycle. We have no response or say thats cool.
We forget that life is short and we all could be gone at anytime......
God bless you little man! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Semper Fi, Nick
First of all I want to send my condolences to the family and friends of the little boy who was killed. 2nd I want to say how cruel some of you are to leave the comments that you have. When a child has a passion for something such as riding moto x why would you want to stand in their way. Children die every year from playing football, running track, bmx, skateboarding, even crossing the street or riding their bicycle at home. I have 3 little boys who ride dirt bikes and have been riding since they were 2 1/2, my oldest has been racing since he was 6 years old. We have him padded up to the hilt with every possible piece of safety gear available. I feel it is safer for them on the track than it is when we just go as a family riding in the desert. It is a great way for our family to spend quality time together. I have been riding since I was 9 years old. The way I look at it, I would rather have my child die doing something he loved instead of dying from being on drugs because we did not spend the time with our child and kept him locked up inside.
sorry to here about this story,my son rides 65cc dirtbikes and love it,he goes down or wrecks and he choose to get back on and ride.he loves motorcycles how could i take that away from him ?