On July 23rd the ATV racing community lost one of it's greats, Hoyt Penland who passed away in his sleep at his home in Rabun Gap Georgia. The cause of Hoyts death is still undetermined at this time. Hoyt is the son of Mike Penland, a multi-time champion in the GNCC racing series. Hoyt Penland himself also raced in the series as well as the BAJA 1000 alongside his father. As a factory Can-Am rider Hoyt had dreams of following in his father's footsteps and carrying on the Penland legacy in racing.
Hoyt would have celebrated his 26th birthday on August 3rd. The family will be having services for Hoyt at Hunter Funeral Home in Clayton Georgia. The viewing will be scheduled for Monday the 27th from 6-9pm and the funeral will be held on the 28th at 1pm. The family requests that flowers be sent to the funeral home and any donations be sent to the Rider Down foundation in memory of Hoyt Penland. Cards can be sent to the family home at 1003 Yorkhouse Rd. Rabun Gap, GA 30568.
Hoyt Penland will certainly be missed by the staff at ATV Rider Magazine and the ATV racing community. Godspeed Hoyt!