While the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb might not have the fearsome reputation of the Isle of Man TT, it is a deadly race in its own right. American racer Carlin Dunne, aboard the 2019 Ducati Streetfighter V4 prototype which was unveiled recently, died a short distance from the finish line when his motorcycle crashed and went off course.
Details are sketchy at the moment as to the cause of the accident but Ducati North America has issued a statement of condolence. Dunne, aged 36, was riding the Streetfighter V4 Prototype for Spidergrips Ducati Team in the Exhibition category and previously won the Pikes Peak four times, in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and again in 2018.
His father was a motorcycle racer, having previously raced at the Isle of Man, and raised Dunne with motorcycles from an early age. Dunne began racing at age nine, competing in various race classes including the Baja desert race and supplemented his racing with stunt riding and driving as well as hosting and commentating in films and shows.
Dunne’s death is the seventh fatality in the Pikes Peak race which has run annually since 1916 except for the war years and sees its 97th edition this year. The 19.99 km road circuit sees a 2,860 metre change in elevation from start to finish, with grades averaging 7.2% in steepness.
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RIP Dunne see you again, Paul Walker gone too soon. Monster Tajima greatest of the Pikes Peak.