Edhat Staff
Carlin Dunne atop Pike’s Peak after winning first place in 2018 (file photo)
By edhat staff
Santa Barbara-based professional motorcyclist and local business owner Carlin Dunne died in a crash during a race in Colorado Springs on Sunday morning.
Dunne, who owns the Ducati of Santa Barbara dealership, was competing in the 97th annual Pike’s Peak International Hillclimb, a 12.42-mile race to the summit of Pikes Peak. The 36-year-old previously won the event four times with his latest win taking place just last year. Dunne was the first motorcyclist to finishing the course full of steep grades and hairpin curves in less than 10 minutes with a winning time of 9:52.
In a joint press release from event organizers and event sponsor Ducati North America, it was confirmed Dunne died after crashing his 2019 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Prototype near the finish line.
Witnesses reported seeing bike shrapnel going over the right edge of the road about 20 yards from the finish line where an ambulance was dispatched. Throughout the morning, motorcyclists had issues with a small hump in the road near the summit leading many to believe Dunne hit the bump at a high rate of speed causing his front wheel to spin out before he landed in a pile of boulders, reports the Colorado Springs Gazette.
“There are no words to describe our shock and sadness,” Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America, said. “Carlin was part of our family and one of the most genuine and kind men we have ever known. His spirit for this event and love of motorcycling will be remembered forever as his passing leaves a hole in our hearts.”
This is the seventh death associated with the Hill Climb event.
“Carlin will be remembered as a warm hearted mentor with a competitive spirit. He was a gentle and thoughtful man who touched everyone who met him. We will always remember his contagious smile and genuine love for sport,” race organizers stated.
Dunne grew up riding motorcycles in Ojai and graduated from Bishop Diego High School in Santa Barbara.
Locals are placing flowers and candles at the doors of Ducati Santa Barbara at 17 West Montecito Street in Dunne’s honor while others post memorial tributes on his Facebook page.
Past Articles
- July 5, 2018 – Santa Barbaran Wins Pike’s Peak Motorcycle Race
