AMA Pro Racer Kurt Lentz Passes Away at 73
Former AMA Pro racer Kurt Lentz has died at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer. Lentz was a notable competitor in the 1970s and early 1980s, achieving top finishes in AMA Superbike and Formula One races. He is survived by his adult child, Ariel Lentz.
The motorcycle racing community mourns the passing of Kurt Lentz, a respected AMA Pro racer from the 1970s and early 1980s, who died on January 30th, 2026, at 73 years old after battling cancer.
Lentz began his AMA Pro career in 1975, competing on a TZ250 in the International Lightweight class at Daytona. He quickly made his mark, securing a 6th place finish in the inaugural AMA Superbike race at Daytona in 1976, riding a Ducati. That same year, he also participated in the Daytona 200 on a Kawasaki H2R.
Throughout his career, Lentz consistently demonstrated his skill. In 1977, he achieved three top-10 finishes in AMA Superbike on a Ducati, with his best results being two 5th place finishes at Loudon and Pocono. He continued this strong performance in 1978, again finishing sixth in Superbike on a Ducati. Later, in 1983, Lentz earned two more top-10 placements in AMA Formula One, securing 6th in the Daytona 200 and 9th at Mid-Ohio on a TZ750. His contributions to the sport will be remembered by those who followed motorcycle road racing during his era.