The race organizers of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) has decided to end the motorcycle racing category two years after the tragic death of Carlin Dunne.
The official confirmation came after completing a two-year review on the prospect of bringing motorcycle racing back to Pikes Peak.
While Fred Veitch, Interim Chairman of the PPIHC, admitted the decision was difficult, it was the right one to make.
“Motorcycle competition has been part of the history of the race off-and-on since 1916 and has been both thrilling and tragic for competitors and fans alike.
“This has been a long process and a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right decision and one that is in the best interest of the organization at this time,” he said.
There are a number of factors that lead to such a decision, the first being the increase of riders fatalities and the types of bikes involved in the competition.
During the early years, riders race to the top with dirt bikes, but everything changes when the road was paved all the way to the top.
This resulted in riders opted for powerful road bikes, which drastically increased the speed and a higher chance of accidents.
Dunne was involved in an accident while riding the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Prototype on his way to the finish line.
(Source: PPIHC)
