Carlin Dunne, a four-time winner of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, has died during the 97th running of the “Race To The Clouds”. Dunne had set pole position for the event and was well on his way to setting a new overall record with the fastest time in the first three sectors of the 156-turn 20km course before fatally crashing within a short distance of the 4,300 metres above sea level finish line.
36-year-old Dunne, the 2018 winner in the Heavyweight Class on a Ducati Multistrada 1260, had been lured back to the event by Ducati North America to ride a prototype model 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 1100 in the Exhibition Powersports division.
Below is a joint statement issued by the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb Board and Ducati North America.
“The collective hearts of the Colorado Springs community and the Board of Directors of The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, along with Ducati North America, share the grief and pain of Carlin Dunne’s family, friends and fans over his untimely death.
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.”
“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,” said Jason Chinnock, CEO Ducati North America.
With our deepest condolences,”
The Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Ducati North America.
Words Geoff Dawes and Ducati Media House © 2019 Image courtesy rideapart.com © 2019
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