Photo: auto motor und sport
Saturday was a dark day for motorsport enthusiasts. Former BMW Motorsport boss, Karl-Heinz Kalbfell died in an accident at the British Motorcycle Racing Club event that took place at Brands Hatch.
It seems that the 63-year old man was competing in the Lansdowne Classic Series when he ran wide exiting a corner and lost control of his bike. A rider following closely was unable to avoid a collision and struck him.
He was taken to the Darenth Valley hospital with a land ambulance but it was too late, succumbing to his injuries.
Kalbfell was a pretty big name in the automotive industry. Without him, the usage of BMW's V12 in the McLaren F1 might not have been possible and the same could be said about BMW's entry in Formula 1.
Over the years he was also the CEO of Maserati and chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. While Group Lotus was under the leadership of Dany Bahar, Karl was involved as an automotive product and project consultant at the British company.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of this tragic news. I knew Karl-Heinz, though not well, and had great respect for his achievements in the motor industry and particularly with BMW,” said Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of Brands Hatch owner MSV.
“He was a really good guy who did a huge amount for motorsport during his time at BMW. Karl-Heinz’s passion for machinery and sport was demonstrated by his love for classic motor cycle racing and it is particularly cruel that he should lose his life enjoying his hobby, and one which has a good safety record too. I extend my deepest sympathies to Karl-Heinz’s family,” he added.
He was taken to the Darenth Valley hospital with a land ambulance but it was too late, succumbing to his injuries.
Kalbfell was a pretty big name in the automotive industry. Without him, the usage of BMW's V12 in the McLaren F1 might not have been possible and the same could be said about BMW's entry in Formula 1.
Over the years he was also the CEO of Maserati and chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. While Group Lotus was under the leadership of Dany Bahar, Karl was involved as an automotive product and project consultant at the British company.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of this tragic news. I knew Karl-Heinz, though not well, and had great respect for his achievements in the motor industry and particularly with BMW,” said Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of Brands Hatch owner MSV.
“He was a really good guy who did a huge amount for motorsport during his time at BMW. Karl-Heinz’s passion for machinery and sport was demonstrated by his love for classic motor cycle racing and it is particularly cruel that he should lose his life enjoying his hobby, and one which has a good safety record too. I extend my deepest sympathies to Karl-Heinz’s family,” he added.
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