Peter Lenz

Peter James Lenz (May 30, 1997 – August 29, 2010) was a nationally ranked American amateur motorcycle racer.

Lenz was born in Orlando, Florida. He was a four-time international champion, five-time national champion and in 2009 started competing in 125GP racing. He was featured in Roadracing World's 2009 and 2010 Young Guns: North America's Fastest Kids feature.

On August 29, 2010, Lenz was killed in an accident during the warmup lap of the United States Grand Prix Riders Union race during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, the youngest competitor to be killed during an Indianapolis Motor Speedway race.

Four International (Can-Am) Championships, nine National Championships, nine Regional Championships and one Provincial Championship with 135 race wins and 43 additional podiums from years 2005 to 2009.

In 2009 Lenz began racing full-time on 125 GP race bikes. He competed in the USGPRU National Series and select WERA West, AFM, CCS SW and OMRRA races.

At the age of 11, Lenz became the youngest licensed Expert racer in AFM (American Federation of Motorcyclists) history; the previous holder of that honor was American GP racer Randy Mamola. Lenz also became the youngest rider to win an AFM race with his win in the Clubman Lightweight class on March 21, 2009, at Buttonwillow Raceway Park.

At the age of 11, Lenz became the youngest licensed Expert racer in CCS (Championship Cup Series) history. He also became the youngest rider to win a CCS race with his win in the 125GP class on March 1, 2009, at Firebird International Raceway (East Course). In the same day, Lenz set a new 125GP track record of 59.14s.

After the first two rounds, Lenz was leading the USGPRU (United States Grand Prix Racers Union) West Coast 125GP and 250GP class championships. Mid-season Lenz crashed into a tire wall at Portland International Raceway (PIR) on May 31, 2009, due to several mechanical failures. He suffered several broken bones (tibia and fibula just above the boot line; a broken femur; and a broken humerus just above the elbow) requiring several surgeries. The arm also suffered a severed radial nerve. The accident effectively ended Lenz's 2009 season and his run at the USGPRU 125GP and 250GP motorcycle road racing national championships. Lenz recovered and returned to racing in 2010.

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