Two drivers pass after being in a crash at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

By Anthony Caruso III |Publisher

MotoAmerica has just announced the deaths of two competitors from Sunday’s race. During the first lap of the second MotoAmerica Superbike/Superstock 100 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, there was a chain-reaction crash that collected multiple bikes.

Bernat Martínez was transported from the track to Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) by ambulance. He would later succumb to his injuries, and he was just 35-years-old.

Bernat Martínez racing during an event (Photo by MotoAmerica)

It is not clear what kind of injuries that Martínez had.

“I really don’t have any words to describe what we all feel,” MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “First and foremost, is the loss to the families and loves ones. Our sincere condolences goes out to each and every one of them as well as the MotoAmerica family. They are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Also, fellow Spaniard Daniel Rivas Fernández was taken to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, Ca. by REACH Medical Air Services. He would also pass away at age 27.

“We are deeply saddened to learn the news of the passing of Bernat Martinez and Daniel Rivas,” Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca CEO and GM Gill Campbell. “Our prayers and hearts go out to their families and teams.”

Rivas was born in Moaña, Spain, while Martínez was born Alberic, Spain.

Rivas and Martínez were one of five riders, who were involved in an accident on the first lap at approx. 120 mph