17-year-old motorcycle racer Oscar McIntyre has died of injuries sustained in an incident during the opening round of the 2012 Superstock 600cc Championship, a support race to the World Superbike round at Phillip Island.
A statement released by Motorcycling Australia and PI SBK Pty Ltd confirmed the death of the Queenslander.
‘McIntyre was immediately tended to by medical personnel after the incident, but his injuries proved to be fatal.’
‘The crash, which also involved two other riders, occurred on lap two of the scheduled 12-lap race at approximately 2.00pm AEDT. It occurred between turns two and three.’
‘The other riders involved were Luke Burgess and Michael Lockhart. Burgess has now been released from the circuit’s medical centre and Lockhart remains under observation with non life-threatening injuries.’
‘An investigation is currently underway and Motocycling Australia will release any further information as it comes to hand.’
‘Motorcycling Australia and PI SBK Pty Ltd offer their sincerest condolences to the McIntyre family and those affected within the motorcycle community.’
Likewise Speedcafe.com passes on its thoughts to the McIntyre family, friends and the motorcycle community.
One person who witnessed the accident was Trading Post FPR V8 Supercar driver Will Davison.
“So sad to hear the young rider was killed in the superstock race,” said Davison on Twitter.
“I was watching the race and knew it was bad straight away. Not fair!!”
Due to the incident, the rest of the day’s on-track sessions were cancelled, including Superpole for the World Superbikes.
Grid positions for both of tomorrow’s races have been set from this morning’s qualifying.
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) will start the races from pole ahead of Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing Team). Right behind the 2010 champion were three Ducatis in the hands of Carlos Checa, Jakub Smrz and Sylvain Guintoli.