Team WD40 Pirelli National Superstock 1000 racer Tommy Aquino has died.

Mr Aquino lost his life during a motocross crash at the Piru MX Park, near Santa Clarita, California yesterday. He was 21.

A member of Brent Gladwin's WD40 team, the American was due to step up to the MCE British Superbike class in 2014. Details of the crash have not yet been released by police.

Bikesport News would like to extend our thoughts at this tough time to Mr Aquino's family and the WD40 team. He leaves father Tom, mother Carrie and brother Michael.,

His team released this statement:

"It is with massive regret that we confirm the extremely sad passing of our friend and rider Tommy Aquino.

"Tommy was a great asset to our Team and a welcome addition to my family. Tommy was enjoying a day with his father ‘Tom’ and friend and became involved in a freak accident.

"The thoughts of all our Team members, sponsors and friends are with Tom, Carrie and Michael as this tragic loss is shared.

"This evening there are many wonderful pictures of Tommy being posted by many of his friends and fans for everyone to share."

BSB series director Stuart Higgs said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news which broke yesterday evening and can scarcely believe it. As recently as Saturday we were speaking with Tommy, finalising plans to announce his ascendency to the British Superbike class this year with Team WD-40, with a team launch planned in London.

"In a short space of time Tommy had made a great impression on our Championship, with podium finishes and a win in his first season in UK competition, ambitions for the future were high and we were looking forward to his Superbike debut with great anticipation.

"I remember meeting Tommy for the first time on the eve of the first round of 2013 Championship at Brands Hatch. With snow on the ground and temperatures very different to his native California he took some convincing that the move to the British Championship was the right one.

"But before long it was obvious that one of the most exciting talents to come out of the USA was beginning to make his mark; it's so desperately sad that we never be able to see the obvious potential fulfilled. On behalf of the Championship I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Tommy's father Tom, his mother Carrie and his younger brother Michael as well as Brent Gladwin and all at Team WD40."