Kurt Caselli Foundation Founded

Kit Palmer | December 9, 2013
KTM Motorsports  FMF Racing  LLC and the Caselli family have created a foundation to honor Kurt Caselli  the off-road racer who lost his life while competing in this years Baja 1000.

KTM Motorsports, FMF Racing, LLC and the Caselli family have created a foundation to honor Kurt Caselli, the off-road racer who lost his life while competing in this year’s Baja 1000.

“My son, Kurt, loved to learn and he loved to race,” said Nancy Caselli, Kurt’s mother. “He was inquisitive and investigative. I am hopeful that this foundation will initiate learning, inspire others and help raise the bar for increased rider safety. Kurt would be proud, as am I, to promote this foundation’s effort to better protect current and future racers for years to come. Thank you to all for your support in his memory.”

A portion of the Caselli Foundation money will go toward a scholarship for high school seniors. Caselli’s sister, Carolyn, works as an English teacher at Corcoran High School, and she knows how important it is to encourage students to follow their dreams.

“My brother Kurt had an amazing job doing what he loved. He inspired thousands of young riders to follow their dreams,” Carolyn said. “I believe, and I know Kurt would agree, that the beauty of living your dreams is not only in the courage to dream large, but also, and more importantly, in the learning, dedication, and hard work required for turning those dreams into reality. I am proud to create this scholarship encouraging the hard work it takes to live your dreams. In this way, Kurt’s legacy will continue forward not just in the off-road community, but in the lives of all young believers.”

The Caselli Foundation Chairman position will be held by Kurt’s fiancée Sarah White. White has worked with Factory FMF/KTM Team Manager, Antti Kallonen, to also use proceeds from the Caselli Foundation to help fund new technology for increased rider safety in off-road racing competitions.

“Any racing is dangerous but especially desert racing because of high-speeds and the long distance covered,” Kallonen said. “It is harder to receive help right away since it’s not a closed circuit format. We feel the Caselli Foundation would be a great opportunity to help find suitable safety equipment that can be used in any kind of racing in the US and across the world that can one day be compatible with all promoters and competitions.”

All proceeds from the Caselli Memorial Ride Day will be given to the Caselli Foundation. All proceeds from any of the Kurt Caselli memorial stickers or t-shirts sold through FMF will also be earmarked for the foundation.

People interested in donating money for the foundation can send money to: KTM North America, Inc., c/o: Caselli Foundation, 38429 Innovation Court, Murrieta, CA 92563.

 

 

 

Kit Palmer | Off-Road Editor

Kit Palmer started his career at Cycle News in 1984 and he’s been testing dirt and streetbikes every since – plus covering any event that uses some form of a knobby tire. He’s also our resident motorcycle mileage man with a commute of 120 miles a day.