Jay Lawrence race report - Battered, not crumbed

**JayRacer37** · 28th January 2009, 19:10

Hey guys

As many of you will know the third round of the national series didn’t quite go as we planned last weekend. I am not going to do a full race report, like usual, because I have to dictate this to Rachelle.

During the second race at Ruapuna I was fourth and chasing very hard for third. I had passed Sam Smith the previous lap and was having the best race of the season to date, was pushing hard trying to reduce the gap to Dennis Charlett in third place. I was aware that Sam was still close behind me and wanted to put some distance between us too. I made a mistake on the fastest corner of the track (pot-hole) and was high-sided in front of the bike at the top of third gear. The bike chased me through the gravel and ran me over. I have sustained only two broken bones but both of these injuries have been described as shattered or ‘mushed’ by doctors examining the xrays. They also relate to both shoulders, meaning I have little to no use of either arm for the next month or two. Life with no arms is already frustrating on just day three (for Rachelle and I). I have a six-inch deep and two-inch diameter hole in my armpit where the footpeg pierced as the bike ran over me.

I have discharged myself from Christchurch Hospital and am flying home to Wellington tomorrow with the intent of healing properly before taking to a bike again.

Thank you for all of your support, but unless a miracle occurs, that will be the end of the 2009 National series for us.

Cheers
Jay

**Robert Taylor** · 28th January 2009, 19:36

Originally Posted by JayRacer37

Hey guys

As many of you will know the third round of the national series didn’t quite go as we planned last weekend. I am not going to do a full race report, like usual, because I have to dictate this to Rachelle.

During the second race at Ruapuna I was fourth and chasing very hard for third. I had passed Sam Smith the previous lap and was having the best race of the season to date, was pushing hard trying to reduce the gap to Dennis Charlett in third place. I was aware that Sam was still close behind me and wanted to put some distance between us too. I made a mistake on the fastest corner of the track (pot-hole) and was high-sided in front of the bike at the top of third gear. The bike chased me through the gravel and ran me over. I have sustained only two broken bones but both of these injuries have been described as shattered or ‘mushed’ by doctors examining the xrays. They also relate to both shoulders, meaning I have little to no use of either arm for the next month or two. Life with no arms is already frustrating on just day three (for Rachelle and I). I have a six-inch deep and two-inch diameter hole in my armpit where the footpeg pierced as the bike ran over me.

I have discharged myself from Christchurch Hospital and am flying home to Wellington tomorrow with the intent of healing properly before taking to a bike again.

Thank you for all of your support, but unless a miracle occurs, that will be the end of the 2009 National series for us.

Cheers
Jay

Jay, glad you are able to mend you wild man! Hope you can make it to the Peter Goddard seminar re suspension setup and tyre interaction. Looks like those Continentals are making really good inroads, even with your peculiar style and setup!

**Frenchy** · 28th January 2009, 20:22

unlucky mate heal up fast!

**enigma51** · 28th January 2009, 20:29

All the best in a speedy recovery jay

**puddytat** · 28th January 2009, 20:57

Such a bugger bro....there was an audible gasp from the crowd when it happened & many worried faces...was amazing to see the speed you were getting thru there & the powerstands out of it...

**BarBender** · 28th January 2009, 21:00

Glad to hear you are as ok as can be.
All the best with the recovery.

**Skunk** · 28th January 2009, 21:13

All the best Jay - see you at the buckets on the way to full fitness eh?

**Sketchy_Racer** · 28th January 2009, 21:31

Again, get well soon dude. I feel very sorry for you, unfortunately, you will get used to very long hours in hospital waiting rooms.

Although not as important as you, I hope the bike isn't too bad. Broken bones suck more than a broken bike, but broken bikes still really suck!

**Deano** · 28th January 2009, 21:33

Hey all the best for a speedy recovery - I'm hoping you will still be able to defend your Cliffhanger title !!

**Kendog** · 28th January 2009, 21:47

Damn.

Hope to see you racing again soon, all the best for the recovery.

**Sparky Bills** · 28th January 2009, 21:48

OUCH!!
Sounds nasty man.
Just dont rush to recovery dude. Sometimes it does pay to take it easy. Its hard I know, but well worth it in the end. And your body will thankyou for it in the future.
Good luck for a fast recovery.

**GIXser** · 28th January 2009, 21:55

mate , glad you are out allready, take it easy and heal up quick!!

**Drew** · 28th January 2009, 22:02

Mate, no use of either arm, if Rach is prepared to wipe your stinkin arse, MARRY THAT GIRL!!!

You can come watch the war pig go back together, PROPERLY, with all this time on your hands, so the next guy to buy an old bike off you, isn't more tempted to assasanate you.

Heal up quick bro, see ya when you get back to Wellywood.