Estonian Motorcyclist Dies After Crashing During a Practice Run

An Estonian motorcyclist died Saturday during a practice run for the Tallinn Grand Prix on the same course where five-time world champion Joey Dunlop was killed last year.

Tonu Raak, 35, was in a two-seat motorcycle when he spilled out of a side seat and rolled down a hill into a tree. He was pronounced dead at a hospital a half-hour later, race officials said.

The accident came on a dry track on the forest-park road that is converted each year into a racetrack.

Organizers proceeded with the race after a brief commemoration was held.

A flag at the main racing podium was lowered to half-staff.

Dunlop died July 2, 2000, when his bike skidded in heavy rain and hit a tree.

The deaths of Dunlop and Raak are the only two in the race’s 40-year history.