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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 5,823
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Baja 1000 booby-trapped. Racer killed
Whoa...
 Racer Kurt Caselli Killed By Booby Trap At The Baja 1000 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. UPDATE: KTM Racing put out this message on its Facebook page, but the alluded-to KTM USA official statement is still forthcoming: Hugely shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Kurt Caselli as the result of a crash while riding in the Baja 1000. A huge loss to his family, team and to our sport. Kurt was a wonderful competitor and an all round top guy. More when we have all the details from our team in the USA statement
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'85 911. White - 53,000 miles bought 3-16-07. "Casper" '88 924S. Blue - 120k miles bought with 105k miles. '94 968 Coupe - White - 108,000 miles bought 9-28-17 '09 Cayman - Grey - bought 9-8-20 |
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11-16-2013, 09:27 AM
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"The primary contribution of government to this world is to elicit, entrench, enable, and finally to codify the most destructive aspects of the human personality." Jeffrey Tucker |
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11-16-2013, 09:38 AM
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The last AMA magazine had an article on Kurt.
RIP Jim
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down to jap bikes that run and a dead Norton |
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11-16-2013, 09:45 AM
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Freiherr
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1,884
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WTF is wrong with people??
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Abby Normal |
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11-16-2013, 09:48 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 17,338
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So sorry to hear about this. My very good friend runs a buggy down there and he told me they know about some of the traps. Its usually people hiding behind things and throw objects or set up stones or blocks to see the vehicles go over them. Sad that these guys are doing this. One of his guy that run with his crew down there is connected with some BS so they are his eyes and ears and watch out for the entire crew.
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11-16-2013, 10:28 AM
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durn for'ner
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: South of Sweden
Posts: 17,090
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That guy could ride a bike. Thats for sure. Great clips.
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Markus Resident Fluffer Carrera '85 |
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11-16-2013, 10:30 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Nevada
Posts: 133
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It was a real bummer to wake up to this news, RIP Kurt, great guy.
Quote, I want to make something very clear and stop the rumors. Kurt Caselli did not crash because of a man made booby trap, a spectator, or any other nonsense that people are saying about his accident. My teammate Ricky Brabec was the fist person to Kurt which was in a very secluded area with no Spectators. Ivan Ramirez showed up shortly after Ricky. They decided Ricky would go get help while Ivan stayed with Kurt. Even though the news didn't come out until the night time the accident happened while there was still daylight, and didn't have anything to do with racing at night. This was merely a racing accident and had nothing to do with booby traps, spectators, or another vehicle so please stop spreading rumors. -Taylor Robert of 4x Kawasaki |
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11-16-2013, 11:57 AM
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Dept store Quartermaster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: I'm right here Tati
Posts: 19,858
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I'm sure many of you have but you should all watch "Dust to Glory" on Netflix. It's an amazing race and what they deal with is insane.
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Cornpoppin' Pony Soldier |
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11-16-2013, 12:10 PM
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Terrible accident to be sure. I hope no sinister stuff was involved . RIP Kurt. I'm sure OJU will have some input and news, he seems pretty close to this stuff.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------- "There is nothing to be learned from the second kick of a mule" - Mark Twain |
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11-16-2013, 01:13 PM
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Wood Magician
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Costa Mesa CA.
Posts: 891
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NOT KILLED BY BOOBY TRAP- Other racers on the course who were first to the scene are telling people to stop spreading rumors. He had an accident while on a remote part of the course where NO spectators are late in the day while there was still good light.
Racing is dangerous and injuries are guaranteed, while others will expire doing what they love. Kurt Caselli Not Killed By Booby-Trapped Course, Competitor Says |
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11-16-2013, 01:57 PM
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JW Apostate
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Napa, Ca
Posts: 14,164
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The story I read said he hit a small animal.
KT
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'74 914-6 2.6 SS #746 '01 Boxster |
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11-16-2013, 02:09 PM
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the stable a few years ago
2013 
1983 Porsche 911sc Cabriolet 3.0
