Yamaha U.S. Mourns The Loss Of Former Team Rider Tommy Aquino
Cypress, CA – February 3, 2014 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., is deeply saddened by the passing of former Yamaha U.S. road racer Tommy Aquino, who died yesterday in a training accident while riding on a motocross track in southern California.
Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., said, “All of us at Yamaha are mourning the tragic loss of Tommy Aquino. He was a bright light in the racing paddock, a very talented rider, and we enjoyed having him as a member of our racing team. Our deepest condolences go out to Tommy’s father and mother Tom and Carrie, and to Tommy’s younger brother Michael.”
Josh Herrin, 2013 AMA Pro SuperBike Champion, Tommy’s former Yamaha teammate, and lifelong friend of Tommy and his family, commented, “It’s hard to believe that he is really gone. I woke up this morning hoping that it was all just a bad dream. Tommy was an unbelievable person and will be deeply missed by people in the racing community across the world. He was like a brother to me and will never be forgotten. I love you, buddy.”
Bob Starr, General Manager of National Communications for Yamaha’s Motorsports Group, added, “The thing I’ll remember most about Tommy is his smile. It was infectious. He was always smiling and always had a great attitude about life. He brought a lot of happiness to us at Yamaha and to racing fans around the world. He was a great person and a great rider, as well. We’ll miss him, as will his thousands of fans.”
Tommy competed aboard a Yamaha YZF-R6 in AMA Pro Racing, as well as WERA. He was a former member of the Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha team, where he competed in AMA Pro Racing’s Daytona SportBike class. In 2011, Tommy won the final Daytona SportBike race of the season aboard his Y.E.S./Graves/Yamaha R6 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and he finished third in the DSB championship that year. He also earned four pole positions in DSB during the time he raced with Yamaha.
For more news, results, and other team info, be sure to check out Yamaha’s Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @YamahaMotorUSA.
More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:
| DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 3, 2014) – AMA Pro Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of competitor Tommy Aquino. During his years as a valued member of the AMA Pro Road Racing community, Aquino became known for his racing talent, quick wit and uplifting smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. |
| AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com. |
More, from a press release issued by GR Motosport Ltd/Team WD-40:
TEAM WD-40 JOINS TRIBUTES TO TOMMY
Team WD-40 today joined the numerous worldwide tributes flooding in for Tommy Aquino following the tragic death of the rising motorcycle star.
The popular American, also known as Mr. Hollywood, was killed in a tragic accident while riding motocross in California.
The news has shocked and saddened the close-knit world of motor sport, with Tommy seen as one of the brightest stars of the future.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a flourishing junior career in America before heading to the UK to join Team WD-40 for their inaugural British Superbikes Championship campaign in 2013.
Performing in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000, Tommy became an instant hit on and off the track and he was due to return to the UK for the 2014 series of the British Superbikes Championship
Speaking on behalf of team sponsors WD-40, Amy Briggs said: “The devastating news we have received about the sad passing of Tommy is truly distressing and has left the whole team saddened, stunned and in a state of shock.
“Tommy was a true star and his performances in the National Superstock 1000 were outstanding, it was a great pleasure to watch him.
“Our thoughts are with Tommy’s family at this desperately sad time. We are all very proud that such an outstanding rider and person played such an integral role in Team WD-40.”
On his arrival in the UK, Tommy’s thrilling racing style immediately endeared him to fans and a lack of experience on British tracks certainly didn’t prove a handicap.
He used his immense talent to produce a series of stunning displays, appearing on the podium at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch.
But it was on a sun-kissed day at Cadwell Park in August where Tommy enjoyed his undoubted seasonal highlight, leaving his rivals trailing in his wake with a stunning race victory.
The Bank Holiday success was so well received both within and beyond Team WD-40, it was testament to the popularity of this outstanding talent.
His affable nature ensured Tommy became like an extended family member to all in Team WD-40 while, outside the confines of the team awning, he proved a hugely popular figure with fans and fellow riders alike.
Amy added: “Tommy was determined to get that race victory and none of us will forget seeing his delight at being on top of the podium at Cadwell Park.
“He was so determined to be successful in his career and what has happened in the last 24 hours is truly tragic.
“Tommy will be hugely missed by everybody, not only within Team WD-40 but all involved in the British Superbikes Series. He had built up so many friends in his first year in Britain and we were all excited about welcoming him back shortly for another season.”
Brent Gladwin, Managing Director of GR Motosport Ltd / Team WD-40, added: “It is with massive regret that we confirm the extremely sad passing of our friend and rider Tommy Aquino.
“Tommy was a great asset to our team and welcome addition to my family. The thoughts of our Team, sponsors and friends are with his parents Tom and Carrie and brother Michael as this tragic loss is shared World Wide!”
More, from a press release issued by Helmet House:
Calabasas, CA: The entire Helmet House family was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Tommy Aquino this weekend. Tommy was family to us, and the first rider to join our race program. Every time Tommy visited our office he was all smiles and always full of enthusiasm for his next adventure.
His next adventure was going to be a big one: Competing in the British Superbike Series for the WD40 team. Though he had only competed for a short time in the Superstock (1000cc) class for the team, he had already posted podium finishes and a win, and it was obvious Tommy was destined to continue his winning ways in the Superbike class.
Tommy’s zest for life was always infectious, and we will cherish the time we spent with him. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Aquino family. Tommy will be greatly missed but never forgotten.