Editorial Note: Victor Steeman was 22.
Victor Steeman passes away
The FIM family, Dorna Group and the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve pass on our deepest condolences to Steeman’s family, friends, team and loved ones.
Following a serious incident in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship’s Race 1 during the Pirelli Portuguese Round at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of rider Victor Steeman (MTM Kawasaki).
Steeman was involved in a multi-rider incident at Turn 14, with the race immediately red flagged. Medical personnel and vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the rider was attended to trackside and at the circuit medical centre before being transferred by helicopter to Faro Hospital.
Despite the best efforts of the circuit’s medical staff, marshals and hospital staff, Steeman has sadly succumbed to his injuries.
A statement from the family read: “Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race. Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save 5 other people by donating his organs. We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”
Steeman was enjoying a superb 2022 FIM Supersport 300 Championship campaign and came into the Pirelli Portuguese Round with a mathematical chance of clinching the World Championship. With four wins, five podiums and three pole positions to his name this season, he took 12 points-scoring finishes out of 14 races. He also signed his name in the history books with pole position at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, becoming the rider with the most pole positions in the World Supersport 300 class.
The FIM family, Dorna Group and the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve pass on our deepest condolences to Steeman’s family, friends, team and loved ones.
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Victor Steeman
It is with great sadness that we communicate the news that Victor Steeman (MTM Kawasaki) has passed away after sustaining serious injuries during the first race of the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship finale at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve last weekend.
Despite the quick response in attending to him at trackside, and the efforts of the medical staff both on site and at the hospital in Faro, Victor passed away on Tuesday 11 October.
Steeman was still in contention for the 2022 WorldSSP300 championship before his accident, after a recent run of four race wins. He lined up on the grid in Portugal having just secured a new record of six career pole position starts in WorldSSP300.
Victor had enjoyed a successful early career in his native Netherlands, in the Rookies Cup and then in the IDM before his first full season in WorldSSP300 last year.
Kawasaki extends it sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those in the close-knit MTM team at this difficult time.
Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki Race Planning Manager, stated: “Victor was a hero to all of us at Kawasaki. He had achieved much in his racing journey already, even at such a young age. We express our deepest sympathies to his friends and family, and of course all of his supporters and the crew of his MTM team, at this sad time.”
