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Young bike racer dies after racetrack crash

By James Whittaker
Toriano Wilson – ‘the golden child’ of Bermuda motor racing — has died after being involved in a high-speed crash at the Virginia International Raceway yesterday.
The 14-year-old racing prodigy was involved in a three-way crash on turn six of lap one of the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup series race.
He was airlifted to UNC Hospital in North Carolina by helicopter but later died from his injuries.
A spokesman for the Red Bull race series confirmed: “Toriano Wilson, a road racer from Bermuda, fell on the track during the first lap and was accidentally struck by another rider while attempting to get out of the way.
“Toriano was airlifted to UNC Medical Center for treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead early Monday morning.”

Toriano's terrific

For those of you who have been off the island for months or in a coma down at King Edward, Toriano Wilson is an emerging superstar. Last weekend he finished fourth in his first pro race in the Red Bull Rookies Cup - and that was after starting the event in the wrong gear!
Toriano, 14, is the real deal and it would be nice for Government to step up and help sponsor him. Under the current 'Elte Athlete' system, Toriano doesn't qualify because he's not doing an Olympic sport. The rules need to be changed so talented Bermudians can get financial backing from Government.

The Monday Debate: Sports Funding

Every Monday on Talk Sport we'll be inviting you to be part of an open debate.
If you have an opinion, this is your chance to get it off your chest.
This week's topic is sports funding.
Should we be doing more to support athletes like young motorcyclist Toriano Wilson and boxer Teresa Perozzi who have made a name for themselves on the world stage with little or no financial support?
Or should we be spending the money to improve the infrastructure here on the island — improving the standard of coaching and facilities locally?
What about a sports academy?
We want to hear any suggestons you have about how Bermuda can get the best use out of it's sports budget.