SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- The motorcycle-racing world is mourning the loss of two promising young stars. Both died during a big race this past weekend at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Twenty-year-old Charlotte Kainz of Wisconsin died Sunday, shortly after colliding with another racer. And 17-year old Kyle McGrane of Pennsylvania died Monday from injuries suffered during his crash on Sunday.
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Their accidents came in separate races at the Santa Rosa Mile, the final event of the pro flat-track racing season. They ride on what's called a "cushion" surface, spewing dirt going sideways at more than 100-miles per hour.
McGrane, a high school senior who started riding motorcycles at age 3, crashed on the final lap of his race.
And Kainz, a rising star who had just won her first event earlier this year, crashed into another rider during her heat. That rider has minor injuries.
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Race officials are reviewing what happened and their own response.
AMA Pro Flat Track has set up a memorial fund for Kainz and McGrane. Click here for the link. You can click on either racer and easily donate a set amount to help their families with expenses.