Will they let you race with one eye (serious)

[r1owner]

I just found out I have a tumor on my left retina.

Could be something that metastasized from my bladder cancer 2.5 years ago.  Not sure as they are still trying to figure out where it came from.

At any rate, it looks like I'll have to undergo plaque radiation to treat the tumor (most likely will damage the vision in that eye).

Worst case (at least for the eye) is removal?

Would other racers not want me on the track as I may be a danger (no peripheral vision on the left side)?

[spyderchick]

As long as you are not a danger to yourself or others, they will let you race. There is nothing in the rules that would prohibit you from competition.

[TommyG]

I just found out I have a tumor on my left retina.

Could be something that metastasized from my bladder cancer 2.5 years ago.  Not sure as they are still trying to figure out where it came from.

At any rate, it looks like I'll have to undergo plaque radiation to treat the tumor (most likely will damage the vision in that eye).

Worst case (at least for the eye) is removal?

Would other racers not want me on the track as I may be a danger (no peripheral vision on the left side)?

you`ve got mail! ;D

[Super Dave]

My brain only uses my left eye.  I do not have depth perception.

[Steviebee]

I do not have depth perception.

Is this a hinderance or advantage.

[tstruyk]

I would think both... a hinderance because you have to re learn things...  an advantage because you now work harder to compensate!?!

Maybe kinda like when you loose one sense the others compensate for it?

Best of luck to you scott, let me know if there is anything i can do to help out!

tim

[Super Dave]

Is this a hinderance or advantage.

I choose "C".

Never had it, don't know what it is or isn't.

Binocular depth perception might only be relevant for close up work.  I hate ping pong.  

However, as distances increase, judgement of distances do not rely on binocular vision.

I've grown up with it like that.  How one would work with it later in life, I don't have answers.  It can be done, obviously.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Life is short.  Race.  I don't think the rules would prohibit you from racing.  I've seen a guy racing with no right arm.  They let him compete.
If you've only recently lost your vision in the one eye, you might want to do a track day first.  Start in a slow group, and see how things go.  Move to faster groups as you get acclimated.  I'm thinking it will take some practice to figure out what the hell you're doing.  But by God, work it out.
I wish you all the luck in the world.  You're in a hell of a spot, but by merely asking this question, you've proven that you don't intend to just lay back and take what you're handed.  Many people would give up, but you are obviously no quitter.  You sound like the kind of guy I'd like to be friends with!
This probably won't help, but I lost a contact lens while racing.  I rode 15 minutes with one eye closed and finished the race.  I was slower, and had a blinding, nausia inducing headache when I stopped.  But I was able to do it.  My guess is that it will be hard at first, but you will eventually be able to adapt.
I coach for Sportbike Track Time.  I'd love to help you if I can.  This spring, I'd be happy to meet you at an STT track day in the midwest.  I'll run with you, dog you up the side you can't see, and generally make your life miserable.  I'm used to having students run me off the track, so it's no big deal! ;D  Once you get used to me, you can take on the fast guys again!

[tug296]

I've raced with 1 headlight since 1969.
No one asked, so I didn't tell.
I was shot in the head while hunting when I was 12, bullet still in brain etc. Lost left eye etc., 6 months in hospital, theropy etc.
 It took a full year to learn to walk again, equilibrium etc., Dr.'s said no more football, running etc., the next year I started back on the mini bike, took lots of time and getting used to.
Depth perception was biggest problem, but Motocross and wide open spaces helped.

Drag Raced for many years, needed turn at end of strip.
 Started Road Racing in 1981, {FGPRA} then AMACCS in 1983-86, many 6hr. Endurance races, including Paul Revere 250.
Ran Tug Boats for 10 years then back with CCS in 2002.
When one gets used to a thing, it gets easier, one becomes more precise, one is more motivated in every aspect of everything, especially Road Racing.

I won a Regional Championship last year in Am. Super Twins, and 3rd. in Am. F-40,  {in arguably the Fastest Region in the CCS Nation.}
You are a Racer, able to overcome what ever comes next, all things are possible, no matter what.
 I don't think I've ever been an obstical to anyone on the track, always give room inside and out, unless it's a real battle and I'm passin you and your little bike too.
Hope all goes well.

[PaulV]

Hey Scott,

Give'em Hell Man!!
Take care of Biz 1st, then do what you want.
Good to see that you are looking for feedback from any who may have experience.  
Keep your heart and spirits in the right place and the rest will follow.

Good Luck Man, Get'er Done!!

We'll see ya at the track.

pvd

[r1owner]

Thanks for all the support everyone.  It really means a lot to me.

I'm not one to air my personal issues on a public forum, but I really needed to know the answer to this question! :)

I want to race really bad and if I would be considered unsafe (well, more than right now anyway), I wouldn't want to make someone feel uncomfortable with me on the track due to my possible condition.

I figure if the make me go through chemo again, I want to get started ASAP so I can be recovered for the season! LOL
 ;D

TommyG, I replied....

[Mardi]

Hmmm...Can you teach an old dog new tricks???

I know you love the sport enough to make it work for you Scott.  I have faith in you.  ;)