[SeanAlexander]

Though it may appear otherwise, this is NOT a flame. I must ask those of you who saw the photos and then had second thoughts about racing again: Were you not aware that you could be injured or even killed roadracing? Scott's wounds look (and are) gruesome. However Dirk Piz (Buell Series) was killed at the same track, only a few days earlier. Jamie Bowman (750 Supersport) died last year, after crashing at Laguna Seca. Both of these guys died doing what they love and I assure you that both of them WISH that they had Scott Russell's injuries. I guess what I'm trying to say is.... It's a good thing that the photos of Scott's leg suprised you and allowed you to make the connection between racing and the potiential for grevious injury to your person, because if something happened to you at the track and you were unaware of the potiential for death or dismemberment, it would be quite a tragedy for you to wake up as a suprised quadraplegic. Scott was aware of the potiential, he is living with the consequences, and he is doing his best to get back on the track as soon as possible. I salute him for this and hope that if it happens to me, I will have the same courage.

 

[FloridaSteve]

In response to those of you who race...

In response to those of you who race and are now having second thoughts, I defy you to name anything in life that makes you feel alive, that is without risk of anykind.

While it's true that you should not be stupid about it and that you can change the odds more to your favor.....

The greater the risk, the more alive it makes you feel. Otherwise you might as well stay home, sit on the couch and watch Mayberry re-runs...

 

[hindle]

Any second thoughts I have about racing stem, for the most part, from the cost it takes to race seriously. I accpeted the fact that I was going to crash eventually and possible get hurt. It is part of the learning process. Everyone crashes at some ponit. It's just a fact. There are only two kinds of racers. Those that have been down and those that are going down.



While the pics are disturbing to look at the point I was trying to make in the post above was that they make you think! I'm fully aware of the dangers associated with racing. I've seen choppers come in and air lift people to the hostipal. I've been down myself.



I've seen the same exact thing happen on the starting line that happened to Scott. A guy broke a chain on the start and got nailed by another rider from behind. He was air lifted to the hospital. I believe he made a full recovery thank god.



It's one reason I always hold my hand up if I'm in the 2nd wave when they drop the green for the first wave. I don't know how many times I've seen some newbiee drop the clutch when they seen the flag drop. Then slam the brakes. Oppps. Wrong wave. I always hope I don't have one of those idiots behind me!



At any rate I'm not as clueless as you make me sound.

 

[SeanAlexander]

Hindle,



I was in no way attempting to make you sound "clueless" I was only trying to say that as racers, we should already be fully aware of the consequences. I have enjoyed your previous posts and generally hold you in high regard.

 

[hindle]

Thanks and your right.

 

[hindle]

Re: In response to those of you who race...

Racing offroad RC Gas trucks is the closest I've come to racing motorcycles. Even though it's a hobby and not a sport it shares many of the same challanges as racing bikes and it's these challanges that I enjoy the most.

It's loads of fun and very REAL. It's extremely competative. Once again though it's just a hobby and that is were I draw the line but damn it's fun and addicting. Not to mention completly safe and way more affordable! Still though it will never compare to the feeling of actually being on the bike.

 

[granny]

Re: Affirmative..

The image and story can be found by searching for "blasting cap accident" or "Associated Press Kincaid". It's hard to judge the veracity of the news story but the photo would be hard to fake. I suppose that putting a blasting cap in ones mouth is dumb but I don't think it's much dumber than either drinking and riding or riding without a helmet and protective gear (even if the odds of a motorcycle accident are not greater than the odds of a blasting cap misfiring).

 

[3859]

I'll pass on looking at the photos, thank you. I am glad that Scott is going home. Recovering at home will be a psychological help, if nothing else. Get well soon, Scott!

Go Ducati!

 

[dickdastardly]

Don't be a dork....Somebody actually makes an intelligent observation here, and you act like a weenie....