Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS Amateur racer Bryan Cassell, 28, was killed in a two-bike incident Saturday morning during practice at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) in Daytona Beach, Florida.

According to an eyewitness, Cassell encountered problems with his Ducati on Daytona’s east banking during the Lightweight/Thunderbike practice session which led to the incident.

“It looked to me like the guy, I think it was a Ducati in front, it looked he might have seized or something,” said racer Walt Sipp. “The back end stepped out and [he] fell over, and the guy behind him, I think on an [Suzuki] SV or something, drilled him and the bottom of the bike and went over the top.

“The Ducati looked like it was slowing down. It looked like the guy behind him was trying to move over, but when the bike tipped over in front of him, he didn’t have anywhere to go but hit him.” The incident occurred at the exit of NASCAR Turn Four, according to Sipp.

The second rider involved was Jeff Tatham of Andrews, North Carolina, according to DIS spokesman David Talley. Tatham was still in Halifax Medical Center at post time. No details of Tatham’s condition were available at post time.

Cassell wrote a First Person/Opinion article, “The Road To Fulfilling A Lifelong Dream, Or…How I Became A Road Racer,” which appeared in the May 2003 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology.

According to the Daytona Beach News Journal, a daily newspaper, Cassell’s death is the eighth motorcycle racing fatality at the Speedway since its opening in 1959 and the 35th racing fatality at the Speedway overall.

More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway.

Medical Update

Bryan Cassell, #944 rider of the Mighty Duc Racing Team, passed away from injuries sustained during practice today at Daytona International Speedway.

Cassell, 28, of Cape Coral, Fla., was pronounced dead after being transported to Halifax Medical Center following a two-rider incident.

Statement from the Speedway

Everyone at Daytona International Speedway, Formula USA & Clear Channel are deeply saddened by this morning’s incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Bryan Cassell.