WERA and ASRA racer David Hildebrand, 44, died Friday, May 23rd after a crash at Road Atlanta during a WERA event. According to WERA’s Sean Clarke, Hildebrand was leading two other riders out of Turn 10b up the hill under the bridge when he highsided; the second rider was able to avoid Hildebrand but the third rider in the group was unable to take evasive action, hit Hildebrand, and was also injured.

Hildebrand was originally from Maryland but lived in Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked as an aerospace engineer after serving in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years. His sister, Carrie Hildebrand, posted on Facebook, “My brother died today doing what he loves. I’m sorry for the impersonal approach to this announcement as I know many of you love him as we do. We are our way to him in Atlanta. We will be in contact with details soon.”

Hildebrand is survived by his sister Carrie, his niece Phoenix Johnson, and his parents Mark and Sharon Hildebrand, all from Delaware.

Racer Rocco Landers posted, “We lost a real one today. David Hildebrand was one hell of a dude. Without asking for much of anything beyond a shout-out, out of kindness of his heart and his love for racing he helped fund my 2022 Supersport wildcard at Brainerd, which was the last weekend I had racing for my dad’s team, something I’ll never forget. This kind of thing never gets any easier. He will be missed. Thoughts go out to his family.”

Hildebrand was an avid enthusiast who often helped other racers, and, along with his close friends Terry and Amanda Cooper, served on the crew of their mutual friend and MotoAmerica Hooligan racer Leo Sowers. The Coopers and Hildebrand pitted together at races they attended. Hildebrand also was a frequent contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit advocating for and supporting the deployment of soft barriers to improve racetrack safety for motorcycle racers and track day riders.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

May he rest in peace.