WSB: Victor Steeman has died

Victor Steeman has died at the age of 22 after succumbing to injuries he sustained in a crash during the Supersport 300 World Championship race at Portimao on Saturday October 8.

The Dutchman was involved in a multi-rider incident at turn 14, which led to the race being red flagged immediately. Steeman was attended to by medical personnel on the circuit and in the medical centre before being airlifted to Faro Hospital.

Steeman was left with multiple traumas to his body as well as a head injury, and was in a critical condition. Sadly, his passing was confirmed on the evening of Tuesday October 11. A statement from his family said:

“Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race. Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save 5 other people by donating his organs.

“We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”

Heading into the Portuguese round, Steeman had a mathematical chance of clinching the Supersport 300 title. He’d secured four wins (Assen, Most, Magny-Cours and Barcelona), a total of five podiums and three pole positions for the MTM Kawasaki team.

Steeman first joined the Supersport 300 class on a full-time basis in 2019, finishing fifth in the standings with two poles. He left the series in 2020, but returned in 2021 securing his maiden victory at Most on the way to 10^th overall in the championship.

Our thoughts are with Victor’s family and friends at this difficult time.