2022 WorldSSP 300 runner-up Victor Steeman has died

WorldSSP 300 front runner and race winner Victor Steeman has died three days on from an accident during the Portimao WorldSBK weekend, it has been confirmed.

Steeman, 22, sustained injuries in a multi-bike accident at Turn 14 during Race 1 on Saturday [8 October].

With the race red flagged immediately to tend to the MTM Kawasaki rider trackside, he was taken to the medical centre before being transferred by helicopter to Faro Hospital where he was placed in an induced coma.

However, despite the best efforts of circuit medical staff, marshals and hospital staff, Steeman passed away.

One of the junior series’ leading competitors, the 22-year old Dutchman had come into the Portuguese season finale with a mathematical shot at winning the 2022 WorldSSP 300 title.

Following on from Sunday’s final race of the year, Steeman is classified as a posthumous runner-up to champion Alvaro Diaz.

 “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,” reads a statement from Victor Steeman’s family.

“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.”

Considered one of WorldSSP 300’s rising stars, Steeman was coming towards the conclusion of his fourth and most successful season yet in the entry-level WorldSBK category.

Achieving his maiden WorldSSP 300 victory in 2021 at Most on the unfancied KTM, a switch to the more competitive MTM Kawasaki team saw Steeman take the fight to Diaz in a season-long tussle that yielded five wins, more than any other rider this season.

He is the second rider to die from injuries sustained in a WorldSSP 300 race after Dean Berta Vinales was killed in a multi-bike accident during the Jerez WorldSBK round in 2021.