Motorbike star Joey den Besten has died aged 30 following a crash at an International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) race.
Den Besten crashed after losing control of his bike during the formation lap of the race held at the Jarno Saarinen circuit in Imatra, Finland, on Sunday. Tributes have poured in for the Dutch racer, with the IRRC offering their "deepest sympathy" to his loved ones.
As reported by Dutch outlet NL Times, police in Finland are investigating the incident. The Finish Motorcycle Union will also conduct an investigation.
The news comes just two days after Dilano van't Hoff passed away at Spa in Belgium. The 18-year-old was involved in a multi-car collision at a Formula Regional European Championship race, with Formula One champion Max Verstappen paying tribute.
IRRC confirmed the news of Den Besten's passing on Monday, the day after his fatal incident. "IRRC management wishes to pass their deepest sympathy to his partner, family, friends and beloved ones," the statement read.
Den Besten started competing in IRRC's Supersport class in 2014 and won the title during his rookie year. He won his second Supersport title in 2017 and also finished second in 2015 and 2016 before joining IRRC's Superbike class in 2018.
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Den Besten, who wore the No.65, finished third in the Superbike class in 2021 and placed seventh last year. He was also a prominent vlogger and filmed his races to give fans on social media a unique perspective of what it's like to be a motorbike star.
Those fans have paid tribute to Den Besten on his Instagram account. "Ride in paradise," wrote one supporter, while another added: "RIP Joey."
One fan wrote: "Oh Joey... I don't have the words and I don't quite get it. I'm going to miss you so much. Thankfully, I met you countless times. You were one of a kind. [I will] never forget you. Ride in paradise, angel."
News of Den Besten's passing is another devastating blow for motorsport after Van't Hoff's fatal crash. A statement from the teenager's team MP Motorsport read: "MP Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that our driver, Dilano van't Hoff has passed away as a result of a crash during the second race of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine at Spa Francorchamps.
"We are devastated at the loss of one of our brightest Dutch talents, who brought so much energy to our team during the years he raced with us. Dilano has been a part of our racing family since his motorsport debut with MP back in 2021.
"We offer our sincere condolences to Dilano's family and his loved ones, and are in full support of them and our team members who have lost not only a driver but a friend as well."
