Peter Lenz, Teen Motorcycle Racer, Killed Over Being Run Over By Xavier Zayat's Bike

Peter Lenz, teen motorcycle racer, killed after being run over by another motorcycle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Peter Lenz, a 13 year old motorcycle racer died Sunday after falling off his bike and being run over by another motorcycle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. According to the Houston Chronicle, Lenz was pronounced dead by the Marion County coroner after sustaining "traumatic injuries." He crashed on a warmup lap before his race and was reportedly struck by Xavier Zayat, 12, who was uninjured in the accident.

Lenz death is the first at the speedway since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed in October 2003. Some may ask why children are allowed to participate in such races. I guess you can't stop a child from doing what he or she loves, but this must be a terrible blow to his family. His father wrote a message on his Facebook page:

"Peter passed away early this morning when he was apparently struck by another rider. He passed doing what he loved and had his go fast face on as he pulled onto the track. The world lost one of its brightest lights today. God Bless Peter and the other rider involved. #45 is on another road we can only hope to reach. Miss you kiddo."

Lenz rode the No. 45 bike and the crash delayed the start of the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union event in which Lenz was scheduled to start, but the three races sanctioned by the MotoGP Series all started on time.

Photo credit: Peter Lenz, Facebook