Vietnam motorcycle racer dies after crash at national championship

Dinh Hoang Quoc Hieu, 29, was fatally injured in an accident during the final of the Exciter 150 category at the second round of the 2026 National Round-Track Motorcycle Racing Championship, held at Can Tho Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

The crash occurred on the final lap as Hieu, who was running in third place, accelerated along a straight section near the grandstand while attempting to overtake the second-placed rider.

He lost control of his motorcycle, with both the rider and bike sliding across the track before hitting an inflatable barrier in front of the stands, authorities said.

Hieu lost consciousness at the scene and was given emergency assistance by medical staff before being transported to hospital.

He later died from his injuries, with his family stating he passed away at 0:00 on Friday.

Hieu, who was residing in Ho Chi Minh City, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Phan Thiet in Lam Dong Province, according to his family.

News of his death drew attention from Vietnam's amateur and professional motorcycle racing communities.

The second round of the championship featured 56 riders from 28 clubs nationwide competing across three categories, including amateur and professional classes for different engine types.

The event was organized by Can Tho's Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in coordination with the Vietnam Cycling Federation and Minh Thi Trading-Service-Construction Co.

Legal motorcycle racing is highly popular in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, with each event in Can Tho typically drawing large crowds.