Cypress, CA – March 24, 2015 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Yamalube/Westby Racing rider Dane Westby, who died yesterday in a streetbike accident in his hometown of Tulsa, OK.
Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., said, “All of us at Yamaha extend our most heartfelt condolences to Dane Westby’s father Tryg, mother Jane, and sister Scarlett. Dane was one of the most popular and beloved racers in our paddock. He had a whole army of loyal fans, and everyone who met him considered him a friend. He was a very talented motorcycle racer who brought a lot of racing success to the Yamaha and Yamalube brands.”
Trevor Kemp, Yamalube and GYTR Racing Support Manager, as well as a close partner and fervent supporter of Dane and the entire Yamalube/Westby Racing team, commented, “Words can’t even begin to describe the grief I feel. Dane Westby is where our racing team sponsorship program started, and his personality and talents were a huge asset for us. He was just a terrific human being, as well as a gifted rider, and we will miss him greatly.”
Dane was set to compete in the new MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 class aboard the brand-new Yamaha YZF-R1. At a team test last week at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, TX, Dane and his #00 R1 recorded the fastest overall laptime among all Superstock riders participating in the event, as well as the fourth-fastest overall laptime, including Superbikes. A long-time Yamaha rider, Dane won three races last year aboard his #00 Yamalube/Westby Racing YZF-R6 in AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike competition, including a double win at Barber Motorsports Park.
Very sad for Westby’s family and Yamaha’s loss too.
Was it Ben Spies who said he never rides on the street to avoid the danger?