The NORA British Upright Speedway Championship staged at the Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde yesterday evening (Thursday) was abandoned after only 6 completed races following a bone-jarring collision between Chris Mackett and Tim Curnock.
The crash took place on the exit of the second bend during the first lap of heat 7 as the riders accidentally touched. Both riders and their machines were thrown yards along the circuit, also demolishing a stretch of trackside fencing.
The on-site paramedic team were immediately on hand to attend to the stricken riders and after treatment Curnock was able to slowly walk back to the pits, clearly battered and bruised.
Sadly, Mackett was not so lucky. With the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Critical Care doctor called to the scene, the medics felt that, given the riders’ condition, it was appropriate to summon the Thames Valley Air Ambulance which duly arrived, departing some 25 minutes later with Mackett on board bound for Southampton General Hospital.
Overnight, Chris Mackett’s sister posted on social media that the latest medical report is that her brother has sustained broken ribs and sternum and fractured vertebrae with further close monitoring and assessment to take place today (Friday).
Turning back to the meeting, with the curfew time in mind and with the full cooperation of the riders, an interim plan was made to shorten races and reduce the number of heats in the meeting if racing was able to continue, however, with Mackett prone on the track in the care of the medics and with considerable damage to parts of the safety fence close to the incident in need of repair, the decision to abandon the meeting was taken shortly before 21:00.
It was Warriors co-owner Barry Bishop, clearly distraught by the injury, who took to the stadium PA to pass on the news of the abandonment and to thank a very sizeable crowd for their patience and understanding in the most unfortunate circumstances. He also advised that patrons wishing to apply for a refund of their admission cost should email the club at [email protected].
Supporters who paid for entry to last night’s meeting will also be allowed free admission to either of next week’s 2 meetings on production of their tickets.
Early indications suggest that, subject to rider availability, the Upright Championship meeting will be re-staged at a later date.
Noisy for people, dusty, stinking fumes, light pollution from flood lights, and as seen which is obvious very dangerous and costly to the NHS.
Ban this stupid sport, or use silent, slower battery bikes with full safety suits and have it early so no light pollution.
All to keep a few bored dim wits entertained.
Enough accident on our road now to see.
Get a life, moron