Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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P22 IN THE WIND the track's start straightaway, where Kurt's fiancée, Sarah, spoke to the massive crowd. Caselli's mother and sister were also present. "I have never in my life shed tears on a motorcycle until today," said Jon-Erik Burleson, president of KTM North America. "That was the most amazing lap around any track I've ever experienced. It was such a huge group of people. It was an amazing day. I'm really proud of Kurt, it just shows you what an amazing person he was. My only thing is, I wish he was here." Kit Palmer KURT CASELLI FOUNDATION FOUNDED PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK KARIYA KTM, FMF and the Caselli Family have teamed up to create the Kurt Caselli Foundation. K TM Motorsports, FMF Racing, LLC and the Caselli family have created a foundation to honor Kurt Caselli, the off-road racer who lost his life while competing in this year's Baja 1000. "My son, Kurt, loved to learn and he loved to race," said Nancy Caselli, Kurt's mother. "He was inquisitive and investigative. I am hopeful that this foundation will initiate learning, inspire others and help raise the bar for increased rider safety. Kurt would be proud, as am I, to promote this foundation's effort to better protect current and future racers for years to come. Thank you to all for your support in his memory." A portion of the Caselli Foundation money will go toward a scholarship for high school seniors. Caselli's sister, Carolyn, works as an English teacher at Corcoran High School, and she knows how important it is to encourage students to follow their dreams. "My brother Kurt had an amazing job doing what he loved. He inspired thousands of young riders to follow their dreams," Carolyn said. "I believe, and I know Kurt would agree, that the beauty of living your dreams is not only in the courage to dream large, but also, and more importantly, in the learning, dedication, and hard work required for turning those dreams into reality. I am proud to create this scholarship encouraging the hard work it takes to live your dreams. In this way, Kurt's legacy will continue forward not just in the offroad community, but in the lives of all young believers." The Caselli Foundation Chairman position will be held by Kurt's fiancée Sarah White. White has worked with Factory FMF/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen to also use proceeds from the Caselli Foundation to help fund new technology for increased rider safety in off-road racing competitions. "Any racing is dangerous but especially desert racing because of high-speeds and the long distance covered," Kallonen said. "It is harder to receive help right away since it's not a closed-circontinued on page 24