Thousands gathered at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California on Friday, December 6th, to honor the life of off-road dirt bike racer Kurt Caselli.

Friends, family and race fans gathered to ride, visit and reminisce about Caselli and his impact on the sport and the many lives he touched. Attendance figures were estimated to be nearly 3,000 people and more than 750 riders taking a spin on the track during the ride day. There were also two organized trail rides during the day, with one being an easier route and another being the tougher “Kurt Caselli Trail” for advanced riders. There were no entry fees for the ride, but all proceeds raised at the event went to the Caselli Foundation, including silent auction items donated by companies, racers and race fans, including golfer Rickie Fowler (who was in attendance).

Many off-road racers showed up to pay their respects, including KTM teammates Ivan Ramirez, Mike Brown, Charlie Mullins, Kailub Russell, Mike Lafferty, and newly announced KTM rider Taylor Robert. A few of the other racers in attendance included Malcolm Smith, Colton Udall, Timmy Weigand, David Kamo, Cody Webb, Dick Burleson, Kyle Redmond, Ty Davis, Destry Abbott, Danny LaPorte, Blake Baggett and Zach Osborne, among others.

At midday, everyone gathered on the track for a ceremony and prayer. Caselli’s fiancé Sarah White addressed the massive crowd before the parade lap, thanking everyone for the support and for showing up.

“Kurt and I were a team of our own, and I know that if anything like this had happened to me, he would always stand up and talk for me,” White said. “He was such an amazing speaker. So when they asked if I wanted to talk today, there wasn’t a doubt in mind. I will always stand and talk for Kurt. On behalf of the family, we want to thank KTM, FMF and Glen Helen. There is no way that we could have ever organized something like this, and we truly appreciate that. And Red Bull, and DVS, and everyone else. It is so amazing to us that all of you guys are here today.”

Sarah, sporting a jersey with the name Sarah Caselli, then hopped on the back of the bike of Ivan Ramirez, teammate and close friend of Caselli who lived and trained with him over the past year, and the KTM rider led hundreds on the parade lap around the Glen Helen course. 

“All this year that I’ve spent with him and all these good times and memories that we’ve had training and riding every and cycling, it means a lot,” Ramirez said of Caselli. “All the time that we spent, it was unbelievable. We never had any issues and always had a good time.”

It was also recently announced that a foundation has been set up in Kurt’s name called the Caselli Foundation. The foundation will be run by his fiancé Sarah White, with proceeds going to help fund technology for increased rider safety in off-road racing. All the proceeds from the ride day will go to the organization. Those interested in donating money for the foundation can send money to: KTM North America, Inc., c/o: Caselli Foundation, 38429 Innovation Court, Murrieta, CA 92563.