Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Derek Bloom died Friday, June 21 from injuries sustained in an off-road accident in Fairbanks, Alaska. According to his father, Gene Bloom, Derek was riding his new Suzuki DR-Z400 alongside a road “at speed”, hit an unmarked culvert and crashed. Bloom was 31.

Bloom was very active in motorcycling, participating in drag racing, ice racing, flat track, motocross and road racing. In April, Bloom participated in a Fast Track Riders track day at California Speedway in Fontana, California and brought Farthest North Racing Alliance’s road racing activities to Roadracingworld.com’s attention. Bloom was the #3 plate holder with FNRA in 2001.

(See related post from April 4, 2002.)

Bloom is survived by his wife Kristin, two children, his parents and all four grandparents. A celebration of Bloom’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 28 at the Chena River Convention Center, 109 Clay Street, Fairbanks, Alaska. According to a release from Bloom’s family, preferential parking will be available to guests arriving on motorcycles.