Blackhawk - group 2 2nd practice - turn 2/3 crash

[RidgeRider]

I'm the one that went down in turn 2 and ended up by the turn 3 cornerworker during the second practice on Sunday morning for group 2.  I was hoping the corner worker that helped me out could shed a little light on what happened since my memory of the incident is a little vague.  

I was riding the blue/black zx6r 636 #511 and had my Learning Curves tee shirt on over my leathers (had just got my license on Saturday).  I ended up at Rockford memorial where a cat scan showed bleeding around my brain (thus the memory loss), but I'm improving now and there shouldn't be any permanent damage...

Anyway here's a book on what I do remember - can anybody fill in the holes?

I passed somebody after turn 1 and went into turn 2 too early as a result.  Somehow, I ended up dropping my wheels off the track before the turn 2 apex curbing.  At that point, I saw the curbing (like a three inch jump from the dirt) and straightened up the bike a bit.  I hit the curbing very fast (put a huge dent in both rims) then went across the track into the grass on the right towards the turn 3 corner station.

Once in the grass, I got off the front brake and started trying to scrub off speed with the rear.  The back end wiggled around a bit then came way out to the right, then...

(blank - no memories)

I must have gone over the front end since my right glove was torn up on the side opposite of the palm, and the front brake resevoir was bent way forward (must have raked that with my hand).  In addition, there were boot or puck marks on my front number plate.  I guess I highsided over the front of the bike and landed directly on my head (that's why my brain was bleeding...) but anything anybody saw would be greatly appreciated.  

The next thing I remember, I was sitting on my bike and the cornerworker asked if the bike would start.  I started it up and rode back to my pit area.  I joked with my wife a bit, saw my rims were bent, said a couple of bad words, then started acting really funny and said I didn't know what day it was.

(blank - no memories)

From what I've been told, my wife took me to see the EMT's and I kept asking the same questions over and over again for awhile.  What happened?  Did I crash?  Am I hurt?

I remember asking these things for the last time before leaving for the hospital to get the cat scan.  From that point forward, some of the memories are vague, but at least they're all there.

Anyway, the neurosurgeon said if I stood there and let Mike Tyson hit me as hard as he could, he couldn't do as much damage as the fall gave me so I guess I'm lucky to be here and have all of my mental capacites (at least I think they're all there).

The bike only needs new wheels, a new intake, and some fiberglass repair.  I hope to have it (and me) ready for the next blackhawk round at the end of August.

If anybody can describe what actually happened during the crash in as much detail as possible it would be greatly appreciated.

Justin
ZX6R 636 #511 AM

I'll get that first real race under my belt on of these days...

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

I've seen bikes hit that before. That hole next to the curbing in the apex really needs to be fixed.


I dont think the cornerworker that was in 2 is even on here. Contact outacontrol (He's teh head cornerworker here) at ritger@sbcglobal.net . He might be able to help you better than me. I was in T4 sunday.
 

Oh BTW make sure you are ready to race if you are plannign on doing Aug BHF. DOnt want you passing out on the track.
 

[RidgeRider]

I think the cornerworker in 3 would have had a better view of the actual crash and I assume he's the one that helped me afterwards.  I'll email outacontrol and see who that was, thanks.

And I haven't passed out once!  Now when I do get back out there, I might not remember where I am, but that wouldn't be too different than normal... :o

[Redflagger]

I was at turn three myself.  However, I was not working in the stand so I did not see what happened until I saw you rolling in the grass.  I have contacted one of the workers in the stand for her story and I know how to contact the worker who picked you up.

You were our only pick up for the day so it is very easy to remember.

Rock on!

[RidgeRider]

Thanks!  Any info I can get is much appreciated.  Did I get up right away after rolling in the grass?  I just remember being back on the bike and starting it up...

Thanks.
Justin

[Thingy]

I would guess that you highsided the bike.  Remember, this can also be done when braking, not just accelerating out of a corner.  

I had a similar experience leaving the dogleg before turn 7 a few years ago (5th gear).  Just like you, I let of the front brakes and tried to slow down with the rear.  The rear of my bike went one way, then the other, then highsided me to the moon.  I smashed the front part of my helmet into a V, compressed a vertebrea in my back and cracked two ribs.

PS - what kind of helmet were you wearing?  My buddy has a habit of always landing on his head when he crashes and keeps getting concussions.  When he finally stepped up to a really good helmet, he quit getting concussions, even though he kept crashing.  :)

[RidgeRider]

Brand new Arai Corsair - don't think that was the problem.  It doesn't look beat up at all but I know I should replace it anyway.  Unfortunately, I can't afford another one so I'll probably turn to an HJC...

[Jeff]

If the helmet doesn't appear too damaged, send it to Arai for them to assess it.  Explain you're broke & a good guy (lie if you have to  ;D ) and don't want to buy an HJC but may have to, so they should cut you a break  :D

[spyderchick]

Jeff knows all the angles.

Your mental facilities might not be intact as you are planning to race again.  ;) ;D ;D ;D

Seriously, DO NOT use that helmet again. (Unless Arai says you can) It did it's job once, and that's all that you are meant to ask of it.

Now you know why we say buy the best you can afford. Glad you're still racing with us.

[RidgeRider]

I do want to send it in to Arai to have it checked out.  I spent about an hour looking around their website yesterday for info about sending it in w/ no luck.  Anybody know where I send it?  

I still have the instructions that came with the helmet at home that I haven't looked through yet - maybe the info/address is in there...

[StumpysWife]

PO Box 9485, Dept. N2K
Daytona, FL  32120

I don't have the phone number but Stumpy does.

Heather

[RidgeRider]

Thank you! ;)