Deadly motorcycle crash claims the life of veteran NC racer

Alton - A multi-bike crash claimed the life of a veteran motorcycle racer this weekend at the Virginia International Raceway. Two other riders including a 12 year old boy were flown to North Carolina and Virginia hospitals with serious injuries.

A North Carolina man Robert C. Gette, 38, of Charlotte, N.C., died after the chain-reaction crash during a motorcycle race at Virginia International Raceway. The deadly crash occurred when one racer lost control and his motorcycle overturned. Gette swerved to avoid the crash and his motorcycle also overturned. Spectators were shocked by the accident and quietly waited for the riders to stand but that didn't happen. Rescue crews and ambulances descended on the accident and transported three victims from the crash scene. The race was part of the Bridgestone/WERA National Endurance Series Cycle Jam which began last week in West Virginia at the Summit Point Raceway and continued over the weekend in Alton at the Virginia track. The WERA announced late yesterday afternoon on their website:

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing rider, Rob Gette, age 38, from Charlotte, NC lost his life while racing at the Cycle Jam event at Virginia International Raceway. Gette succumbed to injuries sustained in a three machine accident coming into Turn 14. The other two riders will recover from their injuries. Condolences go to Rob’s family and friends – he will be missed by his WERA family – Godspeed Rob.

The deadly crash happened around 1:30 Saturday afternoon. A motorcycle lost control and overturned onto the track. Another motorcycle came up from behind, and swerved to avoid the crashed motorcycle. It then lost control and overturned. As the driver, 38-year-old Robert Gette of Charlotte, North Carolina, was getting to his feet, he was hit by a different motorcycle, and died at the scene. James Bonner of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania was taken to Danville Regional Medical Center for minor injuries. The third driver, a 12-year-old male from Sutton, West Virginia was flown to Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina for serious injuries. All racers were wearing helmets and full race gear. Motorcycles participating in the race typically reach speeds between 120 mph and 160 mph. Authorities with the Virginia State Police say no charges will be filed. Sunday's racing schedule of the Michelin/WERA National Sprints combined with the Pirelli/ WERA Regional Sprints continued as scheduled. *Video depicts the riders view from the motorcycle seat on the Virginia International Raceway. The accident shown in the video is not the accident that claimed the life of Rob Gette and injured two other racers.