Monster Energy Mourns the Loss of Rising MotoGP Star Marco Simoncelli Monster Energy mourns the loss of rising MotoGP pilot, and San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli, after the young Italian racer succumbed to injuries suffered during the second lap of Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia. With his trademark wild hair, lust for life and passion for racing, Simoncelli embodied everything a MotoGP racer is known to be. The 24-year-old was calculating, yet aggressive on the track, while charismatic off of it. In 2008, he won the 250cc World Championship before graduating to the MotoGP grid full time last season. In his career prior to the jump, Simoncelli earned two wins in 125cc competition, in addition to 12 wins in the 250cc class, to go along with his 2008 title. Marco Simoncelli’s career was cut short just as he was beginning to show his championship potential in MotoGP. Through 16 rounds this season, Simoncelli had earned two pole positions and two podium results, including a career-best runner-up finish just a week prior at the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island. “This is a tremendous loss for the racing world,” said Bruce Stjernstrom, Monster Energy Vice President of Sports Marketing. “Marco was a rising star who was coming on strong in MotoGP. We will all miss the talented and charismatic rider greatly.” Monster Energy offers its sincerest sympathy and condolences to the entire Simoncelli family during this difficult time. More, from a press release issued by American Honda: American Honda Remembers Marco Simoncelli Torrance, CA: American Honda sends its condolences to the family and friends of San Carlo Honda Gresini MotoGP racer Marco Simoncelli who lost his life in a racing accident at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang yesterday. “Marco was one of MotoGP’s rising stars and he was very popular with fans in the U.S.,” said Ray Blank, Senior Vice President, American Honda Powersports Division. “He was an incredibly talented and passionate rider who was thrilling to watch, and his tragic passing is being felt across the world. Our hearts go out to his family and to the Gresini team.” The charismatic 24-year-old earned his first two MotoGP podiums and his first two MotoGP pole positions this season. Only a week ago, he finished a career-best second place at the Australian Grand Prix, taking the runner-up spot to Repsol Honda’s Casey Stoner. More, from a reader (and former OTT video staffer): FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Smaller engine displacement, bigger gravel traps, Airfence, air-bag leathers, the best helmets… I love this sport for many reasons, but most of all because its greatest triumphs are achieved defiantly in the face of the ultimate risk. The sport is so wondrous only because it can be so tragic. Marco, Marco, God be with you ’till we meet again. David Williams Kanosh, Utah More, from a reader: FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: My thoughts after the Malaysian GP: As I write this, the motorcycle racing community is going through a mourning period, which is understandable considering the events in Malaysia this morning. What I don’t get is the “blame game” some are resorting to, or the segment of our sport who are hanging up their helmets due to Marco Simoncelli perishing on a racetrack half a world away. We all know the risks we take every time we strap that helmet on, be it for a Sunday ride, a trackday, or a race with Championship points on the line. The risks are very real, and I know of very few riders who haven’t taken any undue risks just for fun, or a few less clicks of a stopwatch. With that said, how many people died on their way to work on Friday? How about Friday night in search of a little more fun, what kind of risks are taken then? People die falling down stairs, while showering, while gardening, (yes, even while gardening) and in any number of normal activities. So, should we give up driving, stairs, showering and gardening? No? So why should we give up riding, racing and trackdays? The knee-jerk reactions from our bubble-wrapped society state we should give up our dangerous sport so we may live a long, fulfilling life. I might ask, how fulfilling is a life that does not include something you love? Is it worth living a life with no risks? Some think so, I think not. After all, NO ONE gets out alive… Fred Duncan Sandwich, Illinois