Racer Carlin Dunne Killed During Pikes Peak Race

The four-time PPIHC winner crashed on Ducati Streetfighter V4 prototype

Four-time winner Carlin Dunne was killed at the 97th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.Courtesy Ducati

In a tragic turn of events, Carlin Dunne was killed competing in the 97th Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this past weekend. The Ducati Team Spider Grips rider was defending his title in the 2019 competition when he crashed his 2019 Ducati Streetfighter V4 prototype less than a quarter mile from the finish line.

Having won the race four times previously, the rider from Santa Barbara, California, was a legend at the Race to The Clouds, winning it in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2018, and setting the course record in 2012 (which would eventually be broken in 2017). He started this year’s race in pole position, and reports suggest he was on his way to setting a new speed record when he came off the Ducati.

Dunne was riding for Ducati aboard a 2019 Streetfighter V4 prototype when he crashed just before the finish line.Pirelli

An official statement from race organizers was issued Sunday:

“Throughout the 97 years that this unique race has been conducted on America's Mountain, we have experienced the ultimate joy in victory, the disappointment of failure and now, the unexpected heartbreak of the loss of a competitor, whose love of the race brought him to Pikes Peak. We mourn the tragic death of Carlin, and he will remain in our hearts forever as part of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb family. Carlin will be remembered as a warm hearted mentor with a competitive spirit. He was a gentle and thoughtful man who touched everyone who met him. We will always remember his contagious smile and genuine love for the sport”.

Jason Chinock, CEO of Ducati North America, added, “There are no words to describe our shock and sadness. Carlin was part of our family and one of the most genuine and kind men we have ever known. His spirit for this event and love of motorcycling will be remembered forever as his passing leaves a hole in our hearts."

Dunne was defending his title, having won the 2018 edition of the Race to The Clouds with Ducati.Ducati

Last year Cycle World talked to Dunne after his win at the 2018 Pike's Peak Race and his break from professional racing to focus on his love of film—working on the Dust to Glory 2 movie—before being invited back to race at Pikes Peak by Ducati. He also spoke of just how rigorous and detailed preparation for the event was, describing the complexity of trying to manage the various kinds of microclimates, changing weather conditions, and even the different kinds of asphalt covering the 12.42 mile course, which contains 156 turns. The Ducati rider had spent a good chunk of his 36 years on two wheels. His father was a professional rider, and Dunne started in the moto industry as a salesman, later dabbling in nearly every aspect of motorsports, from motocross to Baja racing to roadracing events.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Carlin’s family and friends.

Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_sticky
Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_middle1
Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_middle2
Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_middle3
Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_bottom