Caselli grew up in Palmdale, California, the child of two desert racers who encouraged him in his athletic goals. He began racing at age 12 in Southern California's District 37. Caselli's father Rich died in 2008. He survived by his mother Nancy, sister Carolyn, and fiancée, Sarah Jean White.
On November 15, 2013, Caselli crashed while competing in the Baja 1000, a race in Baja California, Mexico, after colliding with a large animal at high speed. Early reports indicated that he hit a man-made booby trap, but that ultimately proved to be incorrect information. Caselli did not receive immediate medical attention, and he died at the site of his accident from internal injuries. He was 30 years old. His family honored his life and celebrated by hosting a memorial ride day on December 6, 2013 at Glen Helen Raceway in Devore, California. SCORE International have announced that they have taken steps to improve safety at future races. In December 2013, the Kurt Caselli Foundation was established.
The Kurt Caselli Foundation
The Kurt Caselli Foundation was established in December 2013, using donations from the memorial ride day, with the help of fans, family and friends. The foundation's focus is the safety of riders and racers in the off-road motorcycling industry. While they understand the inherent elements of danger, they aim to help minimize it to the best of their ability. The foundation has a three-part mission that encompasses safety precautions for riders before, during, and after a racing career.
Before racing, they are committed to encouraging, developing, and standardizing safety precautions that will help minimize risk outside of the rider's control.
During racing, they are committed to developing, establishing, and encouraging the use of safety equipment and policies to increase the safety of the riders.
After racing, they are committed to providing a safety net that allows and encourages former racers to further their education and reach career goals for themselves and their families.
The foundation is working with the medical community piloting motorcycle concussion studies, improving race course safety precautions, developing improved GPS systems while racing, and offering scholarship opportunities for post-racing careers.
