Thousands of family, friends & fans of Kurt Caselli filled Glen Helen Raceway to near capacity for the Kurt Caselli Memorial Ride Day on Friday, December 6th.

An estimated 2000-plus people attended the event to honor the off-road star & legend Kurt Caselli. The line of cars & trucks extended all the way to the nearby freeway, and anyone who has ever been to Glen Helen Raceway knows how far that is – it’s a long ways!

Many stars & celebrities of the motorcycle industry came out to Glen Helen to pay tribute and honor the FMF/KTM Team rider who lost his life while competing in the Baja 1000 three weeks ago. They included some of the stars of the off-road racing world, including Caselli’s fellow KTM teammates Ivan Ramirez, Mike Brown, Charlie Mullins, Kailub Russell & Mike Lafferty. On hand also were former Trials champ Cody Webb, eight-time National Enduro Champion Dick Burleson, Taylor Robert, Kyle Redmond, Ty Davis, Destry Abbott, Danny LaPorte & the legendary Malcolm Smith. The list actually goes on and on. A few motocross stars were on hand, as well, including Blake Baggett, Zach Osborne, Justin Hill and Cole Seely, to name a few. Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck showed up & suited up, as well.

Those who brought their bikes got a chance to take the Kurt Caselli Parade Lap and most of them did. There was a  jaw-dropping number of riders that pretty much filled the entire length of the track, three to four bikes wide all the way around. It was a sight to behold. The motocross track was open for riding most of the day, & some trail loops were set up, as well, including a designated “easy” loop & the “Kurt Caselli Trail,” recommended for advanced riders only.

There was a silent auction with proceeds going to the Caselli family. Some of the items up for bid included a James Stewart helmet & a golf bag donated by golf star Ricky Fowler.

A mid-day ceremony and prayer took place on the track’s start straightaway, where Kurt’s fiancé, Sarah, spoke to the massive crowd. Caselli’s mother & sister were also present.

“I have never in my life shed tears on a motorcycle until today,” said Jon-Erik Burleson, president of KTM North America. “That was the most amazing lap around any track I’ve ever experienced. It was such a huge group of people; it was an amazing day. I’m really proud of Kurt, it just shows you what an amazing person he was. My only thing is, I wish he was here.”