Life was just starting for Copparam Shreyas Hareesh, a 13-year-old racing prodigy from Bengaluru who had won the Mini GP India title this year and also competed in Spain. But it was tragically cut short after a fatal crash in the third round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship at the Madras International Circuit on Saturday.
The crash took place soon just after the commencement of the rookie race, for which Shreyas had qualified for pole position. While exiting Turn-1, Shreyas suffered the accident and suffered a serious head injury.
Race promoters Madras Motor Sports Club cancelled all the remaining races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
Shreyas was born on July 26, 2010 and studied at the Kensri School in Bengaluru. He had won numerous races at the National level. He had one streak in which he won four races in a row, while participating in the rookie category of the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship.
Shreyas was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. His father Copparam Hareesh was by his bedside.
“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,” MMSC president Ajit Thomas said.
“Under the circumstances, we have decided to cancel rest of this weekend’s programme. The MMSC offers heart-felt condolences and our thoughts are with his family.”
Shreyas was planning to compete in the MSBK Championship 2023 at Sepang Circuit, Malaysia, in August. He was to represent team CRA Motorsports in the 250cc category (Group B).
Indian motorsport has suffered its second tragedy this year. In January, 59-year-old stalwart KE Kumar lost his life after a crash in the second round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022 at the Madras International Circuit.