Motorcyclist Troy Beinlich has tragically died aged just 21 after a fatal crash in his native Germany.

Beinlich was competing in the Racefoxx 1,000km endurance race, the first of the Deutscher Langstrecken Cup, on Saturday (March 30) when he fell from his bike. Two riders behind couldn't avoid him and he died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

The incident occurred at legendary Formula One circuit the Hockenheimring, which was the home of the German Grand Prix from 1977 to 2006. It brought about the immediate end of the race, with the rest of the weekend cancelled too.

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An investigation has begun, with the Mannheim traffic service said to be reconstructing the fall with the help of an expert. An official statement from the race organisers read: "Unfortunately a serious accident occurred during the race.

"Despite all the efforts of the emergency services and the circuit safety personnel, help arrived too late for our fellow driver. We are stunned and infinitely sad that our sport has shown its ugly side.

"To respect the families and friends, we cannot and do not want to provide any further details at this time. Please understand and give the family members time and space to grieve. We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends."

General view during the German Grand Prix at Hockenheimring on July 22, 2012
The famous F1 circuit was hosting the Racefoxx 1,000km endurance race

Tributes poured in from the racing community for Pößneck-born Beinlich, including from his local club MSC Schleizer. They posted on Facebook: "Troy, wherever you look down on us now - you will always be a part of our club, the Schleizer triangle and our racing family."

Social media account Formula Nerds wrote: "All our thoughts are with the family and friends of Troy Beinlich, IDM Supersport driver, who lost his life at Hockenheim yesterday. He was only 21."

Troy Beinlich riding
Beinlich died at the scene as a result of his serious injuries

"Rest peacefully Troy Beinlich," commented a fan, while super7moto.com added: "We wish the Beinlich family and all their other loved ones a lot of strength."

It's the second fatal accident at the Hockenheimring ring in the last 18 months. Another German, Leon Langstädtler, also lost his life there in September 2022.

Beinlich grew up racing and joined the IDM Supersport 600 category only last year, forming the Beinlich Racing Team with his older brother Christoph, 28.