Will they let you race with one eye (serious)

[r1owner]

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!

Thanks Chris... I've heard of the legend, but not met the man.  I've seen vid of you crashing at Gateway.. and remember seeing your leathers at the last Blackhawk.  

Hope we meet next year.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Hope we meet next year.

Count on it!

[Super Dave]

 ;D

[Scott]

Um, I think you'll be fine.  In fact, it may keep you from looking at your brother on the starting grid when you should be watching the flag!

Seriously though, hope things turn out ok for you.

[r1owner]

Um, I think you'll be fine.  In fact, it may keep you from looking at your brother on the starting grid when you should be watching the flag!

LOL!!! ;D  That was quite the start that day!  Too bad you didn't get to see what happened in turn 2! hehe..

Seriously though, hope things turn out ok for you.

Thanks Scott.  Are you going to be out there next year?

[Daggerdave]

We a have a couple guys who run our trackdays who are blind in one eye.  One in the right eye, the other in his left.  We always wondered what would happen if they went into turn 1 side-by-side.  So far, nothing interesting to report.

Dont let it slow you down at all.

[x2468]

i know one of the amatuer ama womens champions (shes liek 12 on an 80) is totally def and mute. so if she can race and beat everyone esle, i think u could prob do it. this kinda reminds me of seabiscuit.

[Super Dave]

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

You have any more information on this?

Decisions?  Thoughts?  You doing ok?

[r1owner]

You have any more information on this?

Decisions?  Thoughts?  You doing ok?

Dave,

Had an MRI this past Monday.  I have a followup today with the another specialist.  I should know more today on what actions are going to be taken.  I believe the MRI should give them a better idea if the tumor originated in the eye or got there from my previous cancer.  The original doctor said it looks to be metastatic (not good).

I'm doing pretty well.  I did a lot better with the news of my bladder cancer.  This is just a little too close to the brain (not that there's much there to harm :)) for my comfort level, so that has me a bit freaked out.

I haven't had a lot of time to research eye tumors, but from what I have found, there seems to be (in most cases) a direct link from the eye to the liver.

[Super Dave]

Hmmm

Had a scare a few years ago.  Had no balance, lost a lot of hearing in one year.  MRI, etc., but no cancer or anything.

Keep in touch.  Said a prayer or three for you.  I'll send more...

[tstruyk]

Keep your head up Scott!!  you already beat it once...you'll beat it again!!  ;)

[Scott]

R1:

I don't think I'll be racing next year.  Sold the F4i and my wife and I had a baby three weeks ago.  I think I'll take a year off, let the checkbook recover, and be back in '07 with a new bike.

But, I'll be at some ofthe races for sure just to hang.