Two Riders Killed In Tragic MotoAmerica Crash At Laguna Seca

Spanish motorbike riders Bernat Martinez and Daniel Rivas Fernandez sadly died from injuries sustained in a pile-up on lap one of the second MotoAmerica Superbike Superstock 1000 race at Laguna Seca on Sunday.

In a statement, MotoAmerica described it as a "chain-reaction" accident. RoadRacingWorld reports that Rivas was slow off the line after losing power and at some point fell from his bike. He was then hit by another rider, with several others - including Martinez - caught up in the chaos.

Martinez, 35, was transported by ambulance to the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey and Rivas, 27, was taken by helicopter to the Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, where they both succumbed to their injuries.

MotoAmerica president Wayne Rainey said in a statement:

"I really don’t have any words to describe what we all feel. First and foremost, is the loss to the families and loved ones. Our sincere condolences goes out to each and every one of them as well as the MotoAmerica family. They are in our thoughts and prayers."

"We are deeply saddened to learn the news of the passing of Bernat Martinez and Daniel Rivas," said Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. "Our prayers and hearts go out to their families and teams."

Our thoughts are with the families of Rivas and Martinez at this difficult time. Rest in peace.