Darien man dies after crash in first fatality at Mototown USA in Windsor
02/09/2007
WINDSOR CT- A 39-year-old Darien man died Thursday night at Mototown USA after hitting a bump while riding his motorcycle on the children's track, which caused him to be ejected from the bike, a company spokesman said.
It's the first fatality at the world's largest indoor motorcross facility since it opened on Day Hill Road last Summer.
Pat Ryan of the Farmington-based Ryan Marketing Partners, which represents Motorcross, identified the motorcyclist today as Joseph Cappola, one of 500 members of Mototown.
According to Ryan, the adult track was closed and being watered down Thursday night when Cappola, for some unknown reason, decided to ride on the children's track.
Police said today that the accident happened about 9:47 p.m. at the facility, located at 1001 Day Hill Road, and they are continuing to investigate.
Cappola, an experienced rider, was wearing proper protective equipment, which is required, Ryan said.'
"He was on a track that he shouldn't have been on," Ryan said. "He lost his bike and went over the handlebars."
Within 10 seconds of being ejected from his motorcycle, the Mototown's onsite EMT was by Cappola's side, Ryan said, and within three minutes an ambulance and other town EMTs arrived.
Ryan said he believed that Cappola suffered a broken neck.
"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joe's family," Ryan said. "We're all deeply saddened by this experience."
Mototown USA is the country's first indoor motocross facilty. It had been four years in the making when it had its official opening last summer.
The $15 million facility was built by well-known local developers Daniel J. Ferraina and Thomas DeFranzo on a 26.5-acre parcel owned by Ferraina just south of Bradley International Airport.
DeFranzo, who lives in Windsor, declined comment on the crash today, referring all questions to Ryan.
The facility boasts three tracks with maximum ceiling clearance - at least three floor levels - along with a pro shop, bike storage, and various vendors like Blimpies.
With a number of hotels in the area, the developers previously said just prior to the facility's opening last summer that they were expecting visitors from all over the country.
The track was to be used primarily for races, and members were to be given priority for practice times. Riders younger than 18 must be supervised by a parent who must also be a member. Memberships were also being sold.
The facility has a dedicated storage area for about 400 bikes, for a fee of $35 a month that includes valet service, showers, and security. There is also dedicated pit areas where enthusiasts can work on their bikes
02/09/2007
WINDSOR CT- A 39-year-old Darien man died Thursday night at Mototown USA after hitting a bump while riding his motorcycle on the children's track, which caused him to be ejected from the bike, a company spokesman said.
It's the first fatality at the world's largest indoor motorcross facility since it opened on Day Hill Road last Summer.
Pat Ryan of the Farmington-based Ryan Marketing Partners, which represents Motorcross, identified the motorcyclist today as Joseph Cappola, one of 500 members of Mototown.
According to Ryan, the adult track was closed and being watered down Thursday night when Cappola, for some unknown reason, decided to ride on the children's track.
Police said today that the accident happened about 9:47 p.m. at the facility, located at 1001 Day Hill Road, and they are continuing to investigate.
Cappola, an experienced rider, was wearing proper protective equipment, which is required, Ryan said.'
"He was on a track that he shouldn't have been on," Ryan said. "He lost his bike and went over the handlebars."
Within 10 seconds of being ejected from his motorcycle, the Mototown's onsite EMT was by Cappola's side, Ryan said, and within three minutes an ambulance and other town EMTs arrived.
Ryan said he believed that Cappola suffered a broken neck.
"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joe's family," Ryan said. "We're all deeply saddened by this experience."
Mototown USA is the country's first indoor motocross facilty. It had been four years in the making when it had its official opening last summer.
The $15 million facility was built by well-known local developers Daniel J. Ferraina and Thomas DeFranzo on a 26.5-acre parcel owned by Ferraina just south of Bradley International Airport.
DeFranzo, who lives in Windsor, declined comment on the crash today, referring all questions to Ryan.
The facility boasts three tracks with maximum ceiling clearance - at least three floor levels - along with a pro shop, bike storage, and various vendors like Blimpies.
With a number of hotels in the area, the developers previously said just prior to the facility's opening last summer that they were expecting visitors from all over the country.
The track was to be used primarily for races, and members were to be given priority for practice times. Riders younger than 18 must be supervised by a parent who must also be a member. Memberships were also being sold.
The facility has a dedicated storage area for about 400 bikes, for a fee of $35 a month that includes valet service, showers, and security. There is also dedicated pit areas where enthusiasts can work on their bikes
