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Ben Spies: Peter Lenz “knew exactly what he was doing.”

September 1, 2010 By 26 Comments

The tragic death of 13-year-old roadracer Peter Lenz at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this past August created national headlines. At the MotoGP post-race press conference, local reporters hammered second-place-finisher Ben Spies for answers. One newsman suggested that the Speedway was “too difficult for someone 12 or 13 years old to navigate.” Appearing on Fox News, “children’s-rights advocate” Wendy Murphy called for an investigation.

“Honestly, the questions I was asked earlier were a bit aggravating,” Spies said after the press conference. “I’ve been racing since I was eight years old. When I was 14, I lost my best friend—my teammate. There was about two days where I thought, ‘What am I doing? Should I be doing this?’ My mom told me, ‘If you want to quit right now, even being $70,000 in debt, we’ll find a way to survive.’ There isn’t a day that goes past that I regret doing it. When you’re racing motorcycles, you know what can happen. Obviously, what happened today is unfortunate. But it’s racing. It’s life. He knew exactly what he was doing.”

Kevin Schwantz has made a career working with promising young riders like Lenz since he retired 15 years ago. The 1993 500cc world champion has helped steer Spies both on and off the track. Blake Young, a two-time AMA Pro American SuperBike race-winner this season, is another beneficiary of Schwantz’s experience. So, too, are up-and-coming teens Cameron Beaubier and JD Beach. Both are graduates of the Schwantz-led Red Bull Rookies Cup program run in conjunction with European MotoGP rounds. There are countless others.

Asked about all this, Schwantz replied, “Kids are going to race. Whether it’s Red Bull Rookies Cup or the USGPRU MD250H class, we’re doing everything we can to give them the safest equipment, from what they’re riding to what they’re wearing. Helmets, leathers, boots, gloves, back protectors—all the pieces of safety equipment that we wear—have changed a lot. Alpinestars, which makes the suits for Red Bull Rookies Cup, makes the kids wear a back and a chest protector.

“It’s when the kids don’t have series like Red Bull Rookies Cup or USGPRU, which take them to really good facilities, that they race at tracks with guardrails and concrete walls around the outside or telephone poles not far off the edge.

“Racing is inherently a dangerous sport. There are going to be injuries. Unfortunately, you can’t do anything to stop certain situations. We’ve got to be there for these kids. We’ve got to help them grow, to become, if they choose, better motorcycle racers, possibly the next Nicky Hayden or Valentino Rossi or Ben Spies.”

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  • http://www.vintage-rider.com/Dania.htm chris

    Thank you for that EXCELLENT summation Kevin!

  • http://cycleworld jonnyluck

    I cant believe that Nicky and Valentio were even mentioned in the same sentence. Please, Nickys a fast local boy, but he has never stood out on the Big STage!. Honda bought him a win a few years ago. Champions shine alone, while factory press stars fade quick. And I do mean fast….Watch where you spend your money lads,
    the best racing doesnt have to cost much at all. There is a special place in hell for marketing execs…

  • http://behindbarsmotorcycle.blogspot.com/ Brady

    This is a sad story and brings out the whole safety vs. liberty issue. If the boy was in it because he loved it, then I’m happy he was supported.

  • john

    jonnyluck, I cant believe you even mentioned the comparison between Nicky and Valentino.
    The point being made in the wake of a tragic young death was the assistance young riders need to help them reach their full potential as safely as possible.

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  • Wayne T

    Reading Ben Spies’ thoughts on this incident made it all clear:  the racers and their families and friends are the ones who must decide what is too dangerous and what is safe enough, with critical oversight from a truly involved sanctioning body.  Those reporters and ‘children’s rights activists’ – who pop up only when there’s a newsworthy tragedy, need to shut up and let the people who live with this every day deal with it.

  • Gearhead

    There are so many things wrong with the comment from “johnnyluck”. He completely missed the point of Schwantz’s statement. And let’s not forget that without “marketing execs” there would be no such thing as professional racing.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    Ben Spies, this is the most irresponsible ridiculous summation i have ever read from an actual adult. Nothing is ever going to make motorcycle racing safe. The key word here is Peter Lenz was a 13 year old kid, a minor, that means he cannot even sign himself up for racing nor buy his bikes. Peter had no concept he could end up dead. 18 year olds don’t even think they will end up dead doing this dangerous racing. Your saying Peter knew exactly what he was doing makes you sound like a child yourself. The fact your Mother told you, you could quit even though she was in debt over $70,000.00 speaks volumes. If she was okay with your quitting why would she tell a child about the money part? You had no business being on a bike at 8 either as you were a child as well. Only fools would put a minor child such as Peter on a bike going speeds of over 120 mph. Did all the safety gear Peter had on save him from another bike running over him after he went flying off his bike at Indy? NO. Did it save him from the horrendous injuries he suffered in 2009? NO. Did it save him from his bike having mechanical problems of no brakes sending him in to that crash in 2009? NO. Shame on you for making it sound innocent and okay as you know fool well it is a death trap for these kids and you were just lucky you didn’t end up six feet under like poor Peter did. Peter Lenz had a life and he should be alive today enjoying it. Shame on Peter’s parents that put this child in harms way time after time after time and shame on all parents that are still allowing their minor children to be on these dangerous race tracks. Finally shame on our laws for not closing down these race tracks and fining the owners or better yet give them jail time for endangering minors.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    As for Wendy Murphy shame on anyone that puts her down for trying to be an advocate and a voice for children. If parents would be actual parents and stop trying to grow their babies up in to men before their time we wouldn’t need the Wendy Murphy’s now would we?

  • http://Cycleworld Mb

    Knightz,
    I don’t know the details of this family that.lost their child. But I do know I started riding at 8 years old and was racing at 12. By fifteen I had been injured a few times and decided to quit. Lucky I didn’t get killed, maybe. Lucky that my parents allowed me to do what I loved, absolutely. At 50 I look back and think my life was better because of riding and racing. I’m glad there wasn’t someone like you trying to “help” me. My opinion is Peter lived more than most ever will.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    Mb, your parents should have not been putting your life at risk either at that young age. I would think at age 50 now you could look back and see this reality but obviously not. You said you had been injured a few times, well maybe those injuries are the reason your making this very weird statement, ” Lucky i didn’t get killed,maybe. Very odd.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    Mb , do you remember the horrific crash Peter had in 2009 where he was flung in to a three tire wall and Peter ended up stuck in the fencing and had to be cut out? Well Peter’s Dad Michael made the statement that Peter saw blood trickling down his face mask and it was scarey, Peter started talking to God and saying he didn’t want to leave. Well do you think Peter wanted to leave this year either ? so when you give this opinion tell this to Peter a little 13 year old boy that is lying dead in a coffin six feet under due to the simple fact he had no parents looking out for his safety.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    mb, There you go you parents didn’t put your best interest at heart either as you were way too young to be racing as well. Your statement is very odd where you say, ”Lucky I didn’t get killed,maybe. I would think at age 50 you could reflect back and realize it was way too dangerous to risk your life at that young age but i guess not. Some people just will never learn.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    Mb, you said your opinion is Peter lived more than most ever will. Tell that to Peter a little 13 year old boy that lies in a coffin six feet under ground. Did you know when Peter had his horrific crash in 2009 where he slammed into a three layered tire wall and had to be cut from the fencing, Michael Lenz, Peter’s Dad said Peter saw blood streaming down his face mask, it was a scarey thing, Peter started talking to God and saying he didn’t want to leave. Well do you think Peter wanted to leave this world this year either? Peter was just a boy, he never dreamed he would be dead this year as it is not in a child of that age’s mental capability to fathom it. Peter is dead this year due to his parents failed him miserably and didn’t do what was best for the child. Peter i have watched riding and he was very gifted at it, his parents saw this and they wanted Peter to be the next rising star and make huge money one day. Now what do this parents have? Some trohpies and an empty bedroom where once was occupied by a lively adorable little 13 year old boy name Peter. But yeah i know you don’t get it~~

  • http://wordpress knightz

    My post just kept disappearing after i would write and send them so i re-wrote a couple times trying on all to remember what i say closely enough and now they show all back up. sorry about that. must be a ghost.lol

  • curtis b.

    mb, i agree. i started riding when i was 8 also, i was racing at 11. i was critically injured at 14 during the barstow to vegas run. i told god i did’nt want ot die either, but i started training and was back to racing the next season. clearly knightz is not involved in motorsports so there is know way for him to understand the racing family structure. peters death was terrible, youth racing has an impressive safety record.racing and motorsports in general have made me better person. i think that racing families in general are a great crowd and the bond between our racing families is strong.i still compete, i race superkarts and love every minute.peter did not die at the hands of irresponsible parents. peters family did not fail him and for you to say that makes me want to kick your ass. if you want to talk about parents failing there children then lets talk teen suicide. how many kids end their lives everyday in this country? why does’nt the media report on that.if you are so concerned about teens then you should focus on what is tragic epidemic that know one talks about. all my respect to peter and his family,and to all families that support their children aspire to do.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    curtis b, what makes you think i am a guy? Just because my name is knightz? You are sooooooo wrong and your gonna look mighty foolish trying to kick a girl’s ass. lmao. By the way, there is a reason for the name knightz but you will never figure it out. Here is a clue, think sharp. I would address your post but i am afraid it would go right over the top of your head.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    curtis b, you should have gotten i was not a guy with my comment up thread about my post disappearing. Would a guy actually write that? lmao.

  • JoJo

    Knightz I completely agree…..these families that start their kids racing and can’t really afford it…..so now Peter’s family is asking for donations in their website to get out of debt…..its pathetic…..of course its all about the money…..that’s why they “encourage” their kids to risk their lives racing.

  • ObiJohn

    What a tragedy, and what makes it even worse is that it was preventable.

    I own and ride motorcycles, but anyone who lets their 13-year old child ride a motorcycle that is capable of running over 100 mph is clearly not acting with the child’s best interests in mind. Children do not have the judgment to make this decision for themselves, and the parents should have thought about the risks involved. 

    Motorcycling is great fun, but the consequences of mistakes can be catastrophic. A child is not capable of rationally deciding whether the benefits outweigh the risks… and now a child is dead and another child has to live with the fact that he struck and killed that child.

    What a shame.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    Jojo, thanks, finally someone with some sense. I agree with you too as it made me furious when i went to Peter’s facebook and read, Peter’s racing has caused his family considerable amount of debt so donations will go to the family to help with that and in peter’s name a portion will go to funding safety for other kids. So they get Peter killed and now they want the public to help get them out of hock for all they spent to get this child killed. Takes the cake and eats it too. They thought Peter was going to turn in to a huge cash cow for them and a well known name so they were never ever going to pull this child off that bike and track no matter how severe his injuries were as long as they would heal up where he could still ride a motorcycle and compete. I could not bare to see my child get those horrible injuries Peter suffered through in 2009. These kind of parents should never have kids.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    ObiJohn, good to see another one with good sense. You are so right on. Peter got a broken arm one year and i think it was when another child bumped his handle bar and it sent several kids flying off in to some grass. You would think seeing your child go flying through three tire barriers and then the child literally has to be cut from the fence to release him, and all those horrendous injuries he suffered from in 2009, that this would have finally been a huge warning sign and wake up call to these parents that Peter needed to stop racing. But NO, he finally gets well enough and this year they throw this kid back out on the track at Indy and finally got him killed. I don’t know how they even live with themselves. Peter was very short for his age 4ft something, and only 81 lbs. on a two wheel bike going speeds of 125mph and up. To read that statement alone makes me think what is any parent thinking with as it sure isn’t their brains. Peter did not want to die and now he has no life and can never grow up to experience all the things life on earth has to offer first before leaving it behind. Peter’s parents still have their lives but they will never have Peter in his bedroom again, Nor to hug, or watch him grow up .Nope now all they will see is just Peter’s trophies gathering dust. I just wonder now if the parents think it is all worth it. I can tell you no amount of money or trophies or fame would ever blind me to putting my child in harms way like this whether it be racing or some other sport that was no appropriate. My son’s life is all that is important to me and i am so sorry Peter’s life was not top priority an put first. Peter should have started 8th grade this year and be having tons of fun.

  • Jacob

    You really think people let there kids race for money?  The kid was doing what he wanted to do and he was good at it.  If he would’ve been 18 and had the same crash nobody would be saying anything.  He was riding bikes for 7 years and was a top rider for any age, I don’t see how anyone can say he didn’t have the “judgement” to ride.  He has more judgement than any novice 20+ year old rider.  Your comments make me sick.  Let the kid RIP.

  • http://wordpress knightz

    Jacob, had Peter been 18 of course no one would be saying anything, as hello he would be in the eyes of the law an actual adult and could have signed his own way to any sport he wanted to participate in, but he wasn’t, he was a 13 which is a MINOR. However, you are not very bright if you believe 13 years have the judgement to participate in riding bikes of this speed. If comment make you sick then why are you reading them? again not to bright i see.

  • http://winopso.org fredbob

    Peter’s story has touched me so much I didn’t even want to comment on it anywhere online for fear of besmirching his, or his family’s name.  First and foremost, (ahem Knight) it is not YOUR place to decide, nor is it any advocacy group’s decision either.  It is you controlling, and often projecting, types who will never understand what the meaning of diversity is.  Not every kid, nor is every parent of the same lifestyle as your own, whatever limited little cage you keep yourself in, and it is up to the individual to decide.  Granted Peter was a minor, but I’m sure he could tell what he did or didn’t like to do in life, and your implications of poor parenting in no way come from a complete understanding of the situation.  After reading your comments, I seriously doubt you even ride a motorcycle.

    I was a child racer, but I was not forced into it and I have seen enough footage of Peter speaking on his own about his passion to believe Peter was being supported in his endeavors, and not pushed.  That kid loved to ride and it would do him and his family service if you just went back to censoring television shows and burning books in order to keep the world safe and secure for the its Brave future.

    I apologize for my harshness, but your words are a slap in the face to someone with my background, and I wasn’t over on the knitting site snapping at your needle point.  

  • http://winopso.org fredbob

    damn I wish I had seen this earlier…