Tragedy at Daytona

tigerblade · 10-20-2003, 1:20 PM

I've got a cold chill that won't go away. I never met Bryan in person, but knew him through the CCS boards. We e-mailed several times this year and I feel like I've lost a friend. I knew it was probably only a matter of time before something like this happened; a friend being badly hurt or worse while racing. Still hits hard. Godspeed, MightyDuc.

10/18/2003
CCS Amateur Killed During Practice At Daytona

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS Amateur racer Bryan Cassell, 28, was killed in a two-bike incident Saturday morning during practice at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) in Daytona Beach, Florida.

According to an eyewitness, Cassell encountered problems with his Ducati on Daytona’s east banking during the Lightweight/Thunderbike practice session which led to the incident.

“It looked to me like the guy, I think it was a Ducati in front, it looked he might have seized or something,” said racer Walt Sipp. “The back end stepped out and [he] fell over, and the guy behind him, I think on an [Suzuki] SV or something, drilled him and the bottom of the bike and went over the top.

“The Ducati looked like it was slowing down. It looked like the guy behind him was trying to move over, but when the bike tipped over in front of him, he didn’t have anywhere to go but hit him.” The incident occurred at the exit of NASCAR Turn Four, according to Sipp.

The second rider involved was Jeff Tatham of Andrews, North Carolina, according to DIS spokesman David Talley. Tatham was still in Halifax Medical Center at post time. No details of Tatham’s condition were available at post time.

Cassell wrote a First Person/Opinion article, “The Road To Fulfilling A Lifelong Dream, Or…How I Became A Road Racer,” which appeared in the May 2003 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology.

According to the Daytona Beach News Journal, a daily newspaper, Cassell’s death is the eighth motorcycle racing fatality at the Speedway since its opening in 1959 and the 35th racing fatality at the Speedway overall.

More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway.

Medical Update

Bryan Cassell, #944 rider of the Mighty Duc Racing Team, passed away from injuries sustained during practice today at Daytona International Speedway.

Cassell, 28, of Cape Coral, Fla., was pronounced dead after being transported to Halifax Medical Center following a two-rider incident.

Statement from the Speedway

Everyone at Daytona International Speedway, Formula USA & Clear Channel are deeply saddened by this morning’s incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Bryan Cassell.

Zippy · 10-20-2003, 1:48 PM

Very sad to lose Bryan. I very much enjoyed reading his article in Road Racing World, and his posts on the various forums. I am sure he has inspired many to try road racing because of his strong spirit. Because he shared the highs and lows with us, I feel like he was a friend, though we have never met.

Godspeed, Bryan.

ccwilli3 · 10-20-2003, 2:33 PM

If any of you guys surfed the jenningsGP forum much, he posted as 'mighty duc racing'... jetblast10 was telling me about this sunday at the track, but we didn't know yet who the individual was...

Godspeed and strength to his family in this time...

Diesel954 · 10-20-2003, 10:38 PM

That is terrible news. I was in the stands in between my practice sessions when the crash happened. There was a substantial delay but no one knew the severity of the incident. It always makes you realize just how dangerous this sport is when this type of tragedy happens. Mr Cassell will be in my prayers.

Bacchus · 10-21-2003, 12:02 AM

Don't know anything about the guy, but I still feel the pain. Another fellow motorcycle enthusiast gone. RIP, and condolences to his family and friends

It's a dangerous sport folks, but one must live for today!

h8mondays · 10-21-2003, 3:51 AM

Not the post that I wanted to read... Bryan was a good guy from the limited ccs board posts and conversations we had. I really enjoyed his racing updates and the article in Road Racing World... This in a word 'SUCKS' I can only hope that his family and friends will endure. God Speed Bryan

929flyer · 10-21-2003, 4:02 AM

I enjoyed his Road Racing article as well. *Did not get to know him otherwise though, but I have no doubt he was a great man.

Rest in peace and many prayers of support for his family.

Side-note; two wheels has it's danger road or track. *Unfortunately even the track is not immune to tragedy.

tigerblade · 10-21-2003, 4:38 PM

Very good quote someone posted on the WERA boards:

'The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.'

-Theodore Roosevelt, 'Citizen in a Republic', April 23, 1910