Copparam Shreyas Hareesh, a 13-year-old motorcycling prodigy from Bengaluru, tragically passed away due to injuries suffered in a crash during the third round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship. The incident occurred at the Madras International Circuit, Chennai, on August 5, 2023.
Following this devastating event, the promoter of the competition, Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), made the decision to cancel the remaining races scheduled for the weekend.
Born on July 26, 2010, Shreyas was a student at Kensri School in Bengaluru and was celebrated as a rising star in Indian motorsports. His impressive achievements included winning several National-level races, including four consecutive victories in the rookie category of the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship this season.
The fatal accident took place shortly after the beginning of the rookie race for which Shreyas had qualified in the pole position. After exiting Turn-1, he fell and suffered a severe head injury. The race was immediately halted, and he was transported to a nearby hospital in a trauma care ambulance. Sadly, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
MMSC president Ajit Thomas expressed his sorrow, stating, "It is tragic to have lost a rider so young and talented. Shreyas, who was making waves with his prodigious racing talent, was provided medical assistance on the spot immediately after the incident and taken to the hospital." He added, "Under the circumstances, we have decided to cancel the rest of this weekend's programme. The MMSC offers heartfelt condolences and our thoughts are with his family."
Shreyas's achievements extended beyond national borders. In May, after winning the MiniGP India title, he participated in the MiniGP races in Spain, finishing in fifth and fourth positions. He was also scheduled to compete in the MSBK Championship 2023 at Sepang Circuit, Malaysia, in August, representing team CRA Motorsports in the 250cc category (Group B).
This incident marks the second fatality in Indian motorsport this year. Earlier in January, the renowned and respected racer, KE Kumar, 59, passed away after a crash during the second round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022 at the same Madras International Circuit.
Shreyas's untimely death is not only a loss for his family but also a significant blow to the Indian motorsports community, as they mourn the loss of a promising talent who had already accomplished much in his short career. His contributions to the sport and his potential for future greatness will be remembered and missed.
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