Romano Hummel, a very successful rider in international track racing, has died at the age of 27.
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According to Speedweek, Hummel passed away on Oct. 21, 2026. The outlet listed the cause of death as suicide.
A native of the Netherlands, Hummel delivered success on a motorcycle at an early age. Back in 2011, he won the FIM Youth Gold Trophy in the 125cc division. He then won the FIM Long Track Youth World Cup in 2013 while competing in the 250cc division.
The Dutch rider joined his country's national team and won the FIM Long Track of Nations in 2016. He then became the FIM Long Track World Champion in 2021.
Hummel's list of accomplishments also included winning the European Grass-Track Championship in both 2022 and 2023. He became a World Team Champion in 2023 while once again representing his country.
FIM Speedway Grand Prix is saddened to hear of the passing of Romano Hummel, a hugely successful international track racer
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time
📸 ©FIM/Jesper Veldhuizen pic.twitter.com/bMAP7NwNbZ
— FIM Speedway GP (@SpeedwayGP) October 22, 2026
A crash at the Grand Prix in Vechta in 2024 caused him to briefly enter retirement due to some lingering health concerns. However, he returned to competition in 2025 while riding for MSC Berghaupten.
Hummel scored two more titles after returning to competition. He became a European Champion for the third time in 2026. He also won gold at the Team World Championship while representing the Netherlands again.
Hummel ultimately chose to walk away from Long Track and Grass Track competition in August 2026. He said that the Team World Championship would be the end of his career. He would not be making any more comebacks as he focused on other aspects of his life.
"Now is the time for my children and to get my life back on track," Hummel told Speedweek after announcing his plans to walk away from the sport.
"I've got so many things on my mind, especially because of my children. They play football, so I have to go along on Saturdays. But if I'm always racing, Dad can't be there for football and other things."
