California 200 Memorial Run- Remembering August 14, 2010

August 14, 2010 is a day that everyone in the off-road community will never forget. Tragedy affected everyone in our desert family on this day- and the Memorial Run proved that we as a community still continue to reach out to each other in support. The tragedy occurred out in Lucerne Valley during the annual California 200 MDR Night Race. A racetruck rolled during the race on the rockpile (a popular spectating spot) and into spectators killing 8 people and injuring many others. This tragedy affected us all- but it also revealed how strong a bond our desert family shares.


Several off-roaders showed up this weekend (August 13-14) honoring the memory of the ones who have fallen. At the same hour the race was supposed to begin last year-just before sundown- a CHP helicopter circled the crash site several times. After a moment of silence every off-roader was invited to finish their lost lap from the race the previous year. Racers lined up at the start-finish line and after a land-rush start proceeded to finish one lap of the race-course. Nick Tonelli finished his lost-50 mile-lap with co-rider Eric Hampton (a fellow racer) along with other racers, supporters and fans.


Thank you to everyone who went out to support each other- the fallen angels will forever remain heroes to friends, family and to the entire off-road community.