Varnes Succumbs To Injuries
T
wenty-four-year-old Ryan Var-
nes of Mohnton, Pennsylva-
nia, passed away from injuries he
sustained while competing at the
New York Short Track, July 2.
Varnes was involved in an
on-track incident on lap four
in the Production Twins main
event at Weedsport Speedway
on Saturday evening. On-scene
emergency personnel responded
to the incident immediately and
transported Varnes to Upstate
University Hospital in Syracuse,
New York, where he later suc-
cumbed to his injuries.
Varnes is the son of long-time
flat track racer Kevin Varnes. Jim
Varnes, Ryan's grandfather, was
also a professional flat track racer.
Ryan scored four AFT Production
Twin wins from 2019-2020.
"The Varnes family has been a
staple in the flat track community
for decades, and they need our
prayers during this difficult time,"
said Gene Crouch, COO of AMA
Pro Racing. "Ryan was the class
of the field, both on track and off
track. His bright smile, perpetual
optimism and loyal friendship will
be dearly missed. Our thoughts
and prayers are with his family
and friends."
Varnes had made the selfless
decision to register as an organ
donor. His spirit will live on not just
in our memories and in the record
books, but also by extending the
lives of others in dire need.
A memorial fund in Ryan Var-
nes's name has been established
by the Rookies of '79, a charity
that supports injured motorcyclists
and their families. You can visit the
Rookies of '79 website for more
information about the charity and
to make a donation.
CN
IN
THE
WIND
P32
Ryan Varnes, the son
of long-time AMA flat
tracker Kevin Varnes,
passed away from
injuries sustained in
the Production Twins
main event at the New
York Short Track.
