Glen Helen Raceway – February 23, 2011

The off-road motorcycle community was deeply saddened when the news arrived that 2-time WORCS Champion Nathan Woods had passed away in a motorcycle accident last Friday during a practice session for the opening round of the WORCS.

Woods is survived by his wife Amanda and their two sons Nathan Jr and Braxton. Woods long-time friends FMF/KTM rider Kurt Caselli and his former mechanic Charles Jirsa have gathered some of Woods’ closest friends to organize a ride day with all proceeds going directly to the Woods family.

The ride day will be held at Glen Helen Raceway on February 23, 2011. A $20.00 admission fee will be charged to all riders with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Woods family. Gates will open at 9:00am on the morning of the ride day and an open practice session will be held from 10:00am to 4:00pm. A silent auction will also be held until 4:00pm with all proceeds going to the Woods family. If you have any items you would like to donate to the silent auction please bring them to the track on the day of the ride.

Please help us spread the word by encouraging your whole family and friends to come out and ride to raise money for the family of an off-road icon that will never be forgotten.

Nathan Woods passed away on Friday, January 28, 2011 at the age of 33, from injuries sustained during the open practice session for the first round of the WORCS series in Taft, CA. Nathan is survived by his wife Amanda and their two sons, Nathan Jr. and Braxton.

Woods, with more WORCS’ wins to his name than any other rider in series history as well as two WORCS Championships to his credit, had joined the Carbon Raptor Stillwell Performance Racing for the 2011 season. Since joining the team, Woods had bonded well with his young teammate, Kevin Rookstool, and was very excited and motivated to begin the season with the new team and to help mentor Rookstool throughout the year.

“The entire team is extremely saddened by Nathan’s tragic passing. We were all so excited about this season and the opportunity to work with a great man and champion like Nathan and were confident he would have been a front runner in both the WORCS and EnduroCross series. We will race this season with heavy hearts, but knowing that Nathan will be with us, as demonstrated by Kevin’s amazing 6th overall finish yesterday despite the circumstances,” said Team Owner Alan Stillwell.

“Everyone at the RiderDown Foundation is deeply saddened by the loss of Nathan Woods this past weekend,” said Bruce Vermeulen, President of RiderDown. “He was a great ambassador for our sport and will be missed greatly. We are accepting donations to help the family during this very difficult time and will be sending an initial check from previous fundraising efforts immediately in memory of Nathan. 100% of all donations mentioning the Nathan Woods Memorial Fund will be given directly to the family.” Payments can be made through your PayPal account or with any major credit card with all proceeds going to support Nathan’s family. When submitting your donation please enter into the notes field that it is for the Nathan Woods Memorial Fund. Please visit www.RiderDown.org and their Donate Page at http://www.riderdown.org/forum/awcl_dsl.php?do=donation to help.

RIP My Beloved Nathan

I just want to thank everyone for all their prayers, phone calls, posts and blogs.  There has been an absolute out pouring from the Off Road community.  Our family is so fortunate to have each other as well as our extended family in the dirt bike industry.  Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Amanda Woods

RIP Nathan Woods #54

January 3, 1978-January 28, 2011