Junior motorbike rider Copparam Shreyas Hareesh, 13, dies in tragic crash during first turn of race
A JUNIOR motorbike rider was horrifically killed after he crashed while approaching the first turn during a big race.
Rising star Copparam Shreyas Hareesh, 13, tragically passed away after suffering catastrophic head injuries when he lost control of the bike.
The youngster was competing in the third round of the FMSCI-Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship at the Madras International Circuit.
He had qualified in pole position for the rookie race on Saturday, but fatefully misjudged a manoeuvre when taking a corner.
Copparam, one of India’s youngest renowned riders, crashed while negotiating the first turn during the fixture.
His out-of-control motorbike is said to have skidded and caused his helmet to fall off, according to the Indian Express.
The teen was rushed to a nearby hospital in a trauma care ambulance that had been waiting on the sidelines of the track.
But sadly, Copparam had suffered fatal head injuries following the smash and was pronounced dead a short time later.
His father, also named Copparam Hareesh, was at his son’s bedside.
The dad is said to have inspired the up-and-coming racer’s hobby and reportedly taught him the tricks o the trade.
Copparam Sr is said to have given up his job at a pharmaceutical company to devote all his time to his son’s career on the track.
Former racer turned event organiser Arvind Singh said: “He was the growing face of Indian motorsport, he had all the potential to be on a global platform. We will miss him.
“His father took him wherever there were racing competitions and gave him great exposure.”
Arvind said he spent two days with the teen during a competition in 2021 and “most of the time he spoke only about racing.”
The 2023 motorcycle championship event was promptly cancelled following Copparam’s deadly crash on the track in Chennai.
It is the second fatal incident at the Madras International Circuit this year, after veteran racer KE Kumer’s horror collision in January.
MMSC President Ajit Thomas said in a statement: “It is tragic to have lost a rider so young and talented.
“Shreyas, who was making waves with his prodigious racing talent, was provided medical assistance on the spot immediately after the incident and taken to the hospital.
“Under the circumstances, we have decided to cancel this weekend’s programme.
“The MMSC offers heartfelt condolences, and our thoughts are with his family.”
FMSCI President Akbar Ebrahim added: “It is a very sad and unfortunate day. This boy was very close to us.
“As for the federation, once all the reports come, as per our Standard Operating Procedures, we will have a detailed investigation.”
Ex-racer Anand Hariharan also paid tribute: “He had a bright future, but gone too soon. It is an unfortunate incident and we lost him.”
Copparam, who attended Kensri School in Bengaluru, already had a number of impressive national wins under his belt.
He was tipped to become a future motorsport star and had been thriving in the Rookie category of the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship.
The 13-year-old had also scooped the inaugural FIM MiniGP India title.
Copparam was set to compete at the MSBK Championship 2023 in Malaysia later this month, representing CRA Motorsports.