Chennai: A 13-year-old bike racer, Copparam Shreyas Hareesh, died after suffering a fatal crash during the National Motorcycle Racing Championship (NMRC) in Chennai’s Irungattukottai on Saturday. He became the first Indian to reach the final of the World Championship, which was held in Spain in May.
In a tragic incident during the third round of the race on Saturday, ‘The Bengaluru Kid,’ Shreyas, lost control of his 200cc motorbike, causing his helmet to come off. Another rider behind him couldn’t stop in time and unfortunately ran over the talented teen, resulting in a fatal head injury. Shreyas was rushed to the hospital but, sadly, was declared dead upon arrival. In response to this unfortunate event, the Madras Motor Sports Club has decided to cancel the remaining races scheduled for the weekend.
Who is Shreyas Hareesh
Shreyas, who recently turned 13 on July 26, was an exceptional young motorbike racer, admired for his remarkable control over the bike.
This year, Shreyas created history by becoming the first Indian to reach the World Championship final in two-wheeler racing in Spain. He showcased his immense talent and potential by securing 5th and 4th positions in the first and subsequent second races of the FIM Mini-GP World Championship.
Having begun his journey in FIM Mini-GP in India, Shreyas won the championship in 2022. His impressive performances caught the attention of TVS, who picked him up for the rookie cup. With training from TVS and a bike for the races, he triumphed in the first four races in the rookie category before stepping up to compete in the pro-stock 165cc open.
Experts considered him one of the most promising racers in the country, and his achievements had already started shaping a bright future for the young prodigy.
