Two Killed In MotoAmerica Race At Laguna Seca Track In California

Bernat Martínez and Daniel Rivas Fernandez were killed in an "opening-lap, chain-reaction crash" in Sunday's second MotoAmerica Superbike/Superstock 1000 race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, according to FOX SPORTS. Martinez, 35, and fellow Spaniard Fernandez, 27, were taken to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, Calif. They both "later succumbed to injuries." MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey said, "I really don't have any words to describe what we all feel" (FOX SPORTS, 7/20). The EFE reported Spanish Superior Sports Council (CSD) President Miguel Cardenal said in a statement, "It is very difficult to find words when such an unfortunate accident cuts short the lives of young athletes like Dani and Bernat, who fought with preparation, excitement and effort to reach the highest sporting goals." Valencian Generalitat President Ximo Puig explained that he has offered the Martínez family "any possible collaboration" (EFE, 7/20).