Neck Brace while racing

[Scotty Ryan]

I had to quit racing AMA Supercross because I broke my C-7 vertba in my neck. This was about 2001 or so - Before neckbraces were widely used. After healing up a bit I attempted to ride again - after buying an EVS foam neck brace. Like Jason I felt naked without it but had issues with hands going numb from damaged nerves. Fast forward 6 years and here I am Roadracing without a neck brace. I highsided out at MAM about amonth ago(My fault) and hit the ground pretty hard - fast forward to this past weekend at Road America for AMA and I was having issues with my hands going numb again. Went into my physo therapist and it liikes like I now have bone spures and buldging herniated discs surrounding the original break. We're assuming the crash aggerivated the old injury-Along with displacing my right elbow and wrist(not to mention the carpel tunnel). They told me to give it a shot riding this weekend and see how it goes-So Super Dave and I are driving to Brainerd. Could a neck brace have helped prevent this? Prolly

[KTMRACING]

Sorry I meant mandatory for riders/racers under 18. We lost 3 minor road racers in the last 12 months due to head and neck injuries. I agrre when your an adult the choice is yours but every possable means of protection (back protectors included) should be mandatory for any minor. I was shocked to see that the Red Bull kids did not have the Alpinestars Bionic neck brace on with Alpinestars being one of the primary sponsors. Our sport is awesome but very dangerous.....personally I use one of the foam braces.