American Motorcycle Racer Tommy Aquino Dies After MX Crash

Tommy Aquino Death

Sad news struck Sunday, Feb. 2, with the passing of American motorcycle racing star, Tommy Aquino.

The 21-year-old Woodland Hills, Calif. racer died during training at a local motocross track, Piru MX Park in Piru, Calif.

Local news reports said that Aquino crashed head-on with another rider around 12:30 p.m. Aquino was riding with family and friends when the incident occurred, and was pronounced dead at the track, reports say.

Aquino began his AMA Pro Racing career in the SuperSport class in 2008, and competed in Daytona SportBike from 2009-2012. His best year was 2011, when he finished third overall and took a single win at New Jersey Motorsports Park (Yamaha Extended Service, Pat Clark Sports, Graves, Yamaha YZF-R6).

Aquino joined GR Motosport WD-40 Kawasaki in 2013, competing aboard a ZX-10R in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship – a support series for British Superbike. He took his first win at Cadwell Park, and finished seventh overall. For 2014, Aquino was set to join British Superbike with the GR Motorsport WD-40 Team.

Following Aquino’s untimely passing, his team released the following statement:

“It is with massive regret that we confirm the extremely sad passing of our friend and rider Tommy Aquino. Tommy was a great asset to our Team and a welcome addition to my family.

“Tommy was enjoying a day with his father ‘Tom’ and Friend and became involved in a freak accident. The thoughts of all our team members, sponsors and friends are with Tom, Carrie and Michael as this tragic loss is shared.

“This evening there are many wonderful pictures of Tommy being posted by many of his friends and fans for everyone to share.

“RIP #31 Tommy A – ride hard, keep smiling.”

AMA Pro Racing offered the following statement: “AMA Pro Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of competitor Tommy Aquino. During his years as a valued member of the AMA Pro Road Racing community, Aquino became known for his racing talent, quick wit and uplifting smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

During his AMA days, Aquino was known around the paddocks for his wild hair and kind attitude. He always spoke to us with positivity, and he will be sorely missed by the staff at Ultimate MotorCycling.