“Young motorcyclist’s legacy honored with safety scholarships”

Young motorcyclist’s legacy honored with safety scholarships

Posted: 19 Dec 2010 06:16 AM PST

By Paul Danzer
Columbian Sports Writer

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Peter Lenz believed in safety, so much so that he would donate his own money to help fellow motorcycle racers get protective gear.

Thanks to a program formed to honor Peter's legacy, two young riders will be provided safety gear and training during 2011.

Mackenzie Ancien from Oregon and Ian Tetrick of West Virginia, both age 14, have been chosen to receive safety scholarships from the Forever 45 program.

Lenz, 13, died on Aug. 29 as the result of an accident at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A Vancouver resident, Peter was an accomplished motorcycle racer who competed at major tracks around the country.

"His chest protector was pretty important to him," said Michael Lenz, Peter's father.

Michael Lenz noted that Peter donated his own money to help fellow racers have chest protection free of charge.

"He would actually carry extra gear to races to give to other riders," Michael Lenz said.

The Forever 45 program was established by the Lenz family and Peter's sponsors to honor his passion for his sport and dedication to safety, Michael Lenz explained.

These scholarships will supply the two young riders with Corsair V helmet from Arai Helmets, leathers from Pilot, Sidi Fusion boots from Motonation, Innersuit from Performance Under Gear (PUG), Phantom gloves from Held USA, a made-to-measure chest and back protector from Impact Safe-T Armor, and two single-day school sessions with the California Superbike School.

"I would like to thank the Lenz family and Peter's Forever 45 support program for this amazing opportunity," Ancien said in a press release announcing the scholarship. "Just the idea that I am able to follow Peter's legacy is a great feeling. Peter and I had a close friendship, and the fact that I am able to represent him is awesome. I can't express to you how grateful I am."

"This scholarship means that I will be as safe as possible while racing next season, and knowing that it is being given to me in Peter's honor makes it even more special," Tetrick said.

The Forever 45 program was started to honor Peter's memory and to help bring peace to his family.

"During an incredibly difficult time, we are extremely grateful for the support that the community has shown in Peter's memory and to our family," Michael Lenz said. "We knew Peter was special, but even we didn't realize the wide reach and positive impact he had on his friends and fans."

While the family was touched by the outpouring of support from the racing community, Michael Lenz said establishing the Forever 45 program was about "what Peter would have wanted."

Michael Lenz added that the family also is encouraging people to support the Roadracing World Action Fund, with a Peter Lenz dedication. Forever 45 program details can be found at www.peterlenz.com.

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USA Motorcycle

December 20, 2010