IN
THE
WIND
P32
OFF-ROAD COMMUNITY MOURNS
LOSS OF CODY KURTZ
T
he motorcycle racing com-
munity suffered a tragic loss
on Sunday, August 12, when
Cody Kurtz of Ridgecrest, Cali-
fornia passed away from injuries
sustained in a motocross-racing
incident at Glen Helen Raceway.
A talented young off-road and
motocross rider, Cody Kurtz,
was a champion and humble
competitor both on and off the
bike. He was 17 years old.
Starting his racing career at a
young age, Kurtz competed in
various motocross races within
Southern California; becoming a
Pee Wee champion before taking
his skills into off-road racing, where
he became one of the first riders to
contend in the AMA Youth National
Hare & Hound Championship.
Together with his sister, Caitlyn,
the siblings competed in the AMA
National Hare & Hound, AMA West
Hare Scramble, USDR and AMA
Big 6 GP Series'. In 2015 Kurtz
was presented with the Rich and
Kurt Caselli Sportsman award.
In 2017, he won the 86-200cc B
Championship, both in the AMA
National Hare & Hound and AMA
West Hare Scramble Champion-
ship while also finding success in
extracurricular activities in between
racing.
Known for being a selfless racer
and role model, Kurtz was praised
within the racing community for
his caring demeanor. He knew
the importance of looking out for
others, and the positive impact he
could make by giving back to the
sport; having actively engaged in
the development of youth motor-
cycle racing. Cody Kurtz lives on
through his father, Kyle, mother,
Jessica and sister, Caitlyn.
Meg Argubright
Cody Kurtz, a rising
star in off-road
racing, succumbed to
injuries sustained in
a motocross crash on
August 12.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
MARK
KARIYA
