Wilson killed in Virginia crash

Added on Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

Toriano Wilson: 1994-2008

On any given day, it could be the #26 bike at the front. He was that talented.

American motorcycle racing was in mourning yesterday as Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup rider Toriano Wilson passed away following an accident at the Virginia International Raceway on Sunday.

The 14-year-old passed away on Monday morning after failing to recover from the injuries he sustained following a last-lap accident at Sunday’s Rookies Cup race.

Wilson fell on the track during the first lap and was accidentally struck by another rider, Luciano Ribodino, while attempting to get out of the way. Wilson was airlifted to UNC Medical Center for treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead early on Monday.

Ribodino was transported to Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, having suffered a broken left arm and broken left femur. He is in a stable condition.

Rookies cup coach and former Grand Prix champion Kevin Schwantz claimed that motorcycling will miss a talented and promising racing prospect.

“Toriano was always full of good energy and fun, but when it came time to get ready to race, he was ready and focused,” said Schwantz. “He was a practical joker at heart. I certainly wasn’t immune to Toriano’s joking. He got me good a few times!”

“Toriano was a great kid and a hard rider. As the season progressed, he harnessed his riding style and started garnering some really good results. On any given day, it could be the #26 bike at the front. He was that talented.”

“Toriano will be missed.”

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