KC66 FUNDRAISER GENERATES $76,000 FOR SAFETY & EDUCATION

Photos by Kato & Simon Cudby

As Scot Harden notes in his column this month, the industry has to prove to the OEMs and International sanctioning bodies that we take rider safety very seriously. That is where the KC Foundation comes in. The 10th Annual Kurt Caselli Ride Day raised more than $76,000 for safety and scholarship initiatives in honor of off-road racing legend Kurt Caselli.

On December 3rd more than 750 attendees and 36+ vendors gathered at Fox Raceway in Pala, California. Together, the bike giveaway and event proceeds raised a total of $76,750 for The Kurt Caselli Foundation’s work and its mission of Protecting & Supporting The Lives Of Off-Road Riders.

“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from the industry, Kurt’s global fan base, and our sponsors,” said Donny Emler Jr., President of the Kurt Caselli Foundation. “It is truly inspiring to see everyone come together to support the off-road community in Kurt’s name. Thank you for helping us make a difference.”

Accounting for a large amount of the proceeds raised was the 2022 KTM 500 XCF-W Baja race bike raffle. The bike was a special project for Brad Baker and Quinn Cody’s private Baja race team that Factory KTM mechanics built of unobtainium. Michael Reed of Fruita, Colorado ended up with the golden ticket, but everyone at Fox Raceway was a winner. The event featured riding activities, including a three-mile off-road loop, open riding on the Main, Vet & kids tracks, a parade lap to honor Kurt Caselli, USMCA Beginner Dirt Bike Skills classes, and a fun ProAm race called the “Caselli Team Challenge.”

There was also a vendor row, much like the pits at Supercross or a Pro Motocross national race, where the area was lined with 36 of the industry’s top moto brands who support the mission of Protecting & Supporting the Lives of Off-Road Riders. The Ride Day was well attended by a plethora of decorated off-road and SX/MX racers, all there to have a good time and enjoy a day of riding in honor of Kurt Caselli.

Nancy Caselli, Kurt’s mother and TKCF Treasurer, awarded the Kurt Caselli Scholarship to 7 recipients, each receiving $2,500 in funds—applied directly to their school’s tuition. The Spring 2023 semester recipients are Lexy Baker of Agua Dulce, CA, Luke Millet of Centerville, UT, Olivia Pugh of Tacoma, WA, Carter Rayburn of Apple Valley, CA, Tristen Bell of Huachuca City, AZ, Travis Azure of Bon Aqua, TN, and Lacey Kerr of Emmett, ID.

The Foundation started the scholarship program in 2015 and has awarded $132,500 in scholarship funds to 53 recipients. The Fall 2023 Semester is now open for racers to apply at: www.kurtcaselli.com/scholarship