Skip to Main Content
Menu
Common Tread

Crash near the finish line kills Pikes Peak champion Carlin Dunne

Jul 01, 2019

Moments from glory, the debut of the Ducati Streetfighter V4 at The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb ended instead in tragedy with a crash that took the life of four-time winner Carlin Dunne.

According to Ducati, Dunne, the event's defending champion, was poised to set a new course record when he crashed near the end of his run on the treacherous road to the 14,000-foot peak. According to some eyewitness reports posted on social media, Dunne was within a quarter mile of the finish line when he crashed.

“There are no words to describe our shock and sadness," said Jason Chinnock, CEO Ducati North America. "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.”

The PPIHC board of directors issued a statement that said, in part: "We mourn the tragic death of Carlin and he will remain in our hearts forever as part of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb family. 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.”