It’s a sad day for the motorcycle racing fraternity! Dutch superbikes ace Victor Steeman died after suffering injuries during the World Supersports 300 (WorldSSP300) Championship in Portugal. The news of the 22-year-old motorcycle racing champion was announced by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) on Tuesday (Oct. 11).
A Star Gone Too Soon…
We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of WorldSSP300 rider Victor Steeman
The WorldSBK family would like to send all our love to his family, team and loved ones. A great personality, a fierce racer and a legacy left embedded in our paddock forever
Ride in Peace, Victor pic.twitter.com/suVbB59o9h
— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) October 11, 2022
Victor Steeman, a professional motorcycle rider, passed away at the age of 22 after a violent crash during the World Supersports 300 (WorldSSP300) Championship in Portugal on Saturday (Oct. 8). The devastating news was confirmed by the theFédération Internationale de Motocyclisme on Tuesday (Oct. 11).
The FIM stated that Steeman suffered severe injuries from a multi-rider incident which took place at Turn 14 of the championship race in Portugal. The racing officials added, “Medical personnel and vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the rider was attended to trackside and at the circuit medical centre before being transferred by helicopter to Faro Hospital.”
Sadly, the best efforts of the circuit’s medical staff, marshals and hospital staff couldn’t reap results and Steeman died in the hospital on Tuesday (Oct. 11). It has been reported that Steeman suffered polytrauma and a head injury following the crash. If you aren’t aware, polytrauma refers to a condition where the body suffered organ injuries from “blast-related events”.
An Ace Race With A Heart Of Gold…
Being a motorcycle racer’s family comes with a lot of risks, something that they are well aware of. However, their worst nightmare turned into a reality after Steeman got “involved in an awful crash on Turn 14 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.”
Victor Steeman’s family released a strong statement: “Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race. Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save five other people by donating his organs.” Yes, Victor donated his organs to save five other people before finally leaving for the heavenly abode.
Victor’s family concluded, “We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.” As for his career, the Dutch motorcycle racer started his career in World Supersport 300 full-time in 2019 and rode for the MTM Kawasaki team. This season, he secured four wins, five podiums and three pole positions, also making history with the most pole position in the World Supersport 300 class at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
In 2020, Steemna competed in the German IDM championship in the 600 class. Here, he won both races and finished the season in the fifth position. Last year, he made a comeback in the 2021 Supersport 300 World Championship.
In the Czech Republic, he secured a second pole position and won the first race. However, he finished the season in tenth place. This year, he has a sure chance of winning his last race, but sadly, succumbed to his injuries. While he had a long road ahead, he left much more behind for his fans to cherish.
