Copparam Shreyas Hareesh, a 13-year-old racing prodigy from Bengaluru, tragically died in a crash during the third round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship at the Madras International Circuit.
The rider succumbed to severe head injuries. Haresh, who took pole position for the race, met with the accident while coming through turn one. Haresh lost his balance, fell and sustained a fatal injury.
The race was soon red-flagged, and the young rider was immediately taken to the hospital that was close by, with the help of a trauma care ambulance. Unfortunately, he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital premises. According to reports, at the time of his untimely death, Copparam Hareesh, his father, was with him. Other races that were scheduled to be held this weekend have been called off.
“It is tragic to have lost a rider so young and talented,” MMSC president Ajit Thomas said. “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 rest of this weekend’s programme. The MMSC offers heart-felt condolences and our thoughts are with his family.”
“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.” In May this year, Shreyas, having won the MiniGP India title, had participated in the MiniGP races in Spain, finishing both races in fifth and fourth positions respectively,” he added.
Shreyas, who was studying at Kensri School in Bengaluru, started his journey by taking part in local races. Soon, at the tender age of 11, Hareesh participated in the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship for the first time. He became the youngest Indian to participate and also win the tournament. He also achieved success in the Rookie RTR 200 category of the TVS One-Make Championship
In 2022, he triumphed in the FIM MiniGP World Series India, which in turn serves as a basic foundation stone to step into MotoGP. He also took part in the World finals. Shreyas also was a part of MiniGP in Spain, ending up fifth and fourth in a couple of races held in May this year. He was slated to take part in the MSBK Championship 2023 at Sepang Circuit in the 250cc category – B Group.
(With inputs from PTI)