REMEMBERING: Shoya Tomizawa

Shoya Tomizawa died on San Marino Grand Prix crash

The fun and outrageous San Marino Grand Prix event turns out to be a disaster when a motorcyclist's life ended. The motorcycle industry lost one of its renowned and most respected rider this month.

The tragedy shocked the motorcycling world last Sunday as Moto2 rider Shoya Tomizawa was crashed by two motorcycles during the Grand Prix. The 19-year old Japanese motorcyclist was reported dead at the Riccione Hospital from cranial, thoracic and abdominal trauma.

Racer Shoya Tomizawa was currently on his 15th lap when he suddenly lost control of his fast-running bike, lost his grip and was thrown off the bike. He then was hit by two other motorcyclist, Scott Redding and Alex de Angeli before sliding 130 feet to a halt.

He was first taken to the circuit's medical center before being transferred to Riccione Hospital. He died from his injuries at exactly 14:20 local time. His death was announced at the end of the race. Sadly, the podium flags were lowered to half-mast, and the podium was celebrated without champagne.

---------------
After a successful career in the All Japan Road Race Championship, Shoya switched to MotoGP and competed in the 250cc class during 2009. In the 2010 season he rode in the newly created Moto2 class. The Moto2 rider has been on the top ranks ever since he began racing at the age of three.

Tomizawa's family and team mates extend their sympathies to the racer's farewell.

They clearly stated: “Shoya Tomizawa was one of the rays of sunshine in the paddock and within his team. He never missed an opportunity to dedicate a smile or a ‘hello' to anybody he encountered. He enjoyed having fun with his colleagues but was also a very professional rider who was spirited, and fully concentrated on the development of his bike after every ride. All were impressed by his talent and his refined style of riding. He worked hard to give his maximum not only for himself but for everybody in his team, who had become a second family with whom he spent most of his free time between races. We have not only lost a talented rider, we have lost a friend and a son who radiated the joy of life and transmitted a good feeling to all those around him. This will always remain in our memories”.

“Without Shoya nothing will be as it was before, but thanks to its passion for the sport and the encouragement of his family the Technomag-CIP team will continue its adventure and challenges in Moto2”, they added.

SOURCES:
http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/shoya-tomizawa-family-and-team-homage
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/05/second-motorbike-racing-death-in-one-week-claims-life-of-shoya-t/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoya_Tomizawa