It’s with a heavy heart that we regretfully inform you of the passing of AMA Pro Road Racing and MotoAmerica racer Dane Westby, who died on Monday night while riding his street bike to his parents’ house in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Early reports say Dane struck a utility pole with his Honda Hawk street bike, and according to a report on RoadRacing World that quoted Westby’s friend and former-mechanic Dustin Meador, the 28-year-old may have been trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle at the time of the crash.
After six-seasons in AMA Pro Road Racing’s Daytona SportBike class, where he finished second in the 2012 Championship, Dane was set to start in MotoAmerica’s Superstock 1000 class on-board a Yamahalube-backed Westby Racing Yamaha YZF-R1.
2015 looked to be a promising year for the American racer, as MotoAmerica recently completed tire testing at The Circuit of the Americas, where Dane was the fastest Superstock 1000 rider, and fourth fastest overall.
“All of us at MotoAmerica are deeply saddened at the news of Dane Westby’s passing,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “I watched him ride at our test last week in Texas and was impressed with his ability. He was a rising star and a rider with great potential. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his team and his friends.”
Known as “The Wolverine” to fans, for his long sideburns and unkept hair, Dane was a fan-favorite in the America road racing scene. He will be sorely missed.
Asphalt & Rubber extends its deepest condolences to Dane’s family and friends at this horrible hour.
Source: MotoAmerica
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