The List: 10 Tough Practice Crashes
Friday, April 22, 2011 | 3:25 PM
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PrintTrey Canard crashed and broke a femur a week ago while testing for this Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. It’s a huge bummer for Trey, his team and his fans, as the injury is not only painful, but it knocks him out of contention for both this year’s Monster Energy Supercross crown and the motocross championship. We joke that there’s never a good time for an injury, but as times go, right now is about the worst time to get bent up like Trey is at the moment.
On the bright side, things could be worse. Trey’s not the only rider to go down while testing—just ask Jake Weimer. Here’s a list of big crashes and injuries away from the races. Some are unfortunate, some tragic.
10. Travis Pastrana 2003: We could do a List with 100 entries for Pastrana wrecks and injuries, but one stands out in the supercross scene. While preparing for the 2003 season, Travis is reportedly flying at the Suzuki track. But a few days before the season begins, he tries to jump a massive jump at Castillo Ranch, crashes, and blows out his tender knee once and for all. Travis was never as serious of a contender as a racer again.
Bowers would lose out on the 2010 Arenacross championship after breaking both his femurs in a practice crash.
Photo: Shan Moore
9. Mike LaRocco 1993: The Kawasaki test track was developing a tough rep for a few years here, with a variety of stars going down at the track. Mike LaRocco raced through a broken wrist for most of the 1992 season, showed up healthy in 1993 and won the series’ opener in Orlando. While battling for the points lead early in the season, he snapped his wrist testing, again, and ended his indoor season.
8. Branden Jesseman 2003: Jesseman breaks through to win the 125 East Region Supercross Championship, but at the Suzuki test track preparing for the Las Vegas East/West shootout, he breaks his arm. Jesseman never gets to run the #1E in racing, and he also misses a big chunk of the AMA 125 Motocross Championship, where he was expected to be a front runner. More injuries and crashes followed—and most of the time they took place while practicing and testing.
7. David Vuillemin 2001: This one is pretty famous. David Vuillemin is leading the 2002 AMA Supercross Series, when he hits the hills in a TWMX photo shoot. He crashes and jacks up his shoulder, leaving he powerless to stop a Ricky Carmichael come-from-behind championship effort.
Emig would break both wrists in 2000 while practicing costing him his SX season.
Photo: Simon Cudby
6. Tyler Bowers 2010: Bowers dominates the early going in the Arenacross tour and leads the points down the stretch against a surging Josh Demuth. Late in the season, Bowers crashes while practicing and breaks both femurs—ending his championship run.
5. Bob Hannah 1983: Hannah is back to his old form after several years of struggles (mostly caused by a broken leg while water skiing. You thought crashing at the practice track was bad). He wins a bunch of races and looks ready to take back the AMA Supercross and 250 National Motocross Championships, but he breaks his wrist practicing and struggles through the rest of the year.
4. Broc Hepler 2007: B-Hep signs with Team Yamaha for the new season and is reportedly flying at the test track when he knocks himself out. Badly. Hepler misses a few months of racing and comes back with sporadic results—he does score a moto win at Steel City and a SX podium in 2009 at New Orleans. But the head injury never goes completely away, and Hepler crashes too often to live up to his potential. He finally stepped away from racing last year to go back to school.
3. Jeff Emig 2000: Double trouble here for ‘Fro, who was setting up a Chad Reed-like privateer assault on the 2000 season. Emig says he had never ridden supercross better than he did that off-season, which included a win at the U.S. Open in Vegas. But on January 1, he crashes and breaks both wrists while practicing at Stephane Roncada’s house. Months later, preparing another comeback for AMA Motocross, his throttle sticks and he crashes again, breaking his back. Emig is forced to retire.
Fonseca would suffer a career-ending injury while practicing in 2006.
Photo: Simon Cudby
2. Donnie Hansen 1982: “Holeshot” Hansen wins both the 1982 AMA Supercross and 250 National Motocross Championship. But he is never able to defend those titles. In the fall, he heads to Europe to race the final 250 GP (he wins both motos) and then heads to West Germany to get in some practice for the Motocross des Nations. He crashes and knocks himself out. Hansen attempts a comeback, but is never able to race again.
1. Ernesto Fonseca 2006: Tragically, Ernesto’s career ends in a crash at the Honda test track in 2006. He had just come off of a podium finish at the St. Louis supercross when a broken neck ends his racing days.
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David Bailey? He crashed in practice and was done.
I Think you guys missed Mike Alesi breaking his kneecap. He was having the best outdoor series of his 450 career and looked unstoppable. He has never looked that good again.
Villopoto last year?
Man... too many good riders taken out too early.
Its a tough sport and we all love it. But, is there anyone out there who has NOT been hurt racing? I had a broken leg and a jack-up finger. How about you guys?
The David Bailey comment was way too blunt.
Hope you don't think you were being witty with that.
Show some tact and respect for one of the greats ones.
dv is Tony Alessi's ghost account.
@browne54, RV got hurt during the race, this article is about practice crashes. I think it should be a tie for number one with the addition of Jimmy Button and David Bailey added to the Fonseca crash. Dont know why those two are ommitted, maybe because they happened on race day, At least Buttons did, not sure about Baileys. Was his on race day or the day before anyone??
Hannah also torqued his back/pelvis that year didn't he? Same crash DC? Even w/out the titles in 83 he still created that Honda wave
I was in San Diego when Jimmy Button had his crash at the start of a practice session. It was difficult for all who were there and we witnessed the * medical crew work a near miracle for Jimmy.
@brown54 - RV-Poto crashed during the Main Event at St Louis last year, if your referring to his season ending leg break?
JW?
I believe Bailey crashed on a race weekend (Golden State Nationals) - during practice. Anyone know for sure?
I believe it was mentioned in D.B.'s 'The Motocross Files' episode.
Will have to look at my DVR tonight and see if I still have it.
Hopefully one of my kids hasn't erased it or recorded a cartoon in it's place.
Nah Bailey went down at a test track..... i cant remember the details but i think O'Show was there ..... Hondaland maybe.... I remember him saying "I felt like i could do no wrong on the bike" which led to his overconfidence and the practice crash. I think that was in a racer X issue.... might have been The Motocross Files.... i cant remember.
Bailey did not go down at the test track. It was at Lake Huron, California during race practice
Bingo - Lake Huron. Thanks CJ.
Correct CJ, I was there. It was at Lake Huron.
In 1987, at a preseason event in Lake Huron, Calif., at a time when Bailey was riding at speeds experts in the sport believed were unprecedented, Bailey’s life took the severe turn that would ultimately guide him into triathlon. The weather was overcast and Bailey, as he tells it, didn’t want to race. “It was a lousy day,” he says. As part of an overall bid to just get it over with, Bailey attempted to clear two jumps in a single flight. It didn’t work, and he went over the handlebars, and the bike followed him to the ground. The crash would leave Bailey a paraplegic.
I was also there when Button fell in whoops during practice. You immediately knew something bad happened, very sad day I will never forget.
@ brown54, these are practice crashes
They left out Chad Reeds practice crashes when he dislocated his shoulder in 2006, fractured his shoulder in 2007, and broke his shoulder in 2008. I think all of them were in from practice or at least 2007 and 2008 were. They also could have had Mike Alessi's broken kneecap injury from 2009 too.
We all love this sport, but it sure can be brutal. Looking forward to the new upcoming motocross series. It should be great, just like supercross
steve cox, broke his butt and jaw into bubba’s bed …..
I think Brown54 is referring to RV injuring his knee 2 years ago while practicing in between Glen Helen and Hangtown. Tried to race Hangtown anyway and bailed from the intense pain after the first moto. Got sugery ending his season.
I will caveat this by saying that David Bailey is and will always be one of my absolute heroes and role models. To set the record straight -- he was injured in January 1987 during practice at a warm-up race in California ( I believe it was a CMC race but I am not certain). The crash was not during a race, but it was on a race day. He was trying a double that wasn't intended to be a double, the jumps weren't that big but the crash went bad and he was tragically injured.
In my opinion, that is still a practice crash, and also in my opinion the worst practice crash that our sport has ever suffered. I would consider it a very unfortunate tie for number one on this list.
Jeremy McGrath's 2003 preseason crash at the KTM test track effectively ended his career. That's a BIG one.
I cant believe Stewart, RV,and Alessi not in top 10. The Stewart family leads 2011 crashes. Malcolm was only able to finish one race clean. Thats about it. and for his brother y'all know what happened. David Bailey should have been there , Marty Moates and Josh Grant.
What about Jacky Vimond, who had his back broken at a team presentation, as he was being lowered from the ceiling on his bike suspended with cables, when one of the cables broke sending him approx 60 ft to the stage floor breaking his back..
david bailey and steve matthes make this a better world. they bring moto knowledge for all to enjoy. I think if it wasn't for Jlaw's injury, he would be up battling the pack leaders no question. If you don't remember the laws performance at 'shougal' in 09 then shake your head. 10-3's all day hater
I remember this guy from Emerald one day took a big tumble, straight to the pub and I don't think he has ever crashed again; I think his nickname was Hedge.
Whatever happened to the 'fast 50', the fastest riders from each state? Did I miss some of them?
dgizzy, why would Stewie and RV be on here, this is PRACTICE crashes, how hard is that to grasp?? Read the article.
I also think Tony Distefano broke his back and was paralyzed during a practice crash. I remember when doing one his schools that he said he hit a tree stump that made him crash.
I believe Rick Johnson got landed on his wrist at the very end of practice at the Gainsville Nationals in 1989.
It was that injury that ended his career
two broken acl s and broke both my arms and now i broke my leg. All in practic crashens the last 4 years
Wtf.... Have we not seen the news with Jimmy Button and his ride? How about David Bailey? Let's do our home work a little more before we post articles ok? These two Champions also deserve our respect AND support!
Really Weigandt? Investigative reporter......? Not so much, do your home work before you write your story or stay out of the industry!
I think some of these were omitted because he wasn't talking about raceday practice. Fonseca doesn't really fit into this category, because he wasn't quite a championship contender at the time, although he was becoming a podium regular. There could be another list of most tragic or severe accidents. Wouldn't be an enjoyable fun topic. When I heard about Bailey's accident, it hit me hard. Made me real cynical about the direction tracks were going. It's good to see that what he's done since is as remarkable as his riding ability was.
what about McGrath testing for KTM?
Am I really that bad! You should look at that Spiwak guy, he's evil and been a good friend for 30+ years! I just watched the Marty Smith video- he's the reason I ever started racing in the first place!
Bailey did crash in practice. It was a Golden State Nationals race.. It was a Huron Cycle park.. I was standing on the grassy knoll and witnessed the whole thing.. It was a lilttle stupid double he missed a shift and endowed into the face.. I was racing 60's and he was my hero...
Magoo? Don't remember if it was during practice or not. No championships but damn he showed the Euro's how fast America could race in the TDN /MDN. I was so proud to be an American racer after reading that race coverage and so sad to hear of his later crash.
Your missing ALOT of riders. If your going to make a list than make a list. Jimmy Button, David Bailey, Jason Carletta-RIP. You did get ONE right-------Ernesto Fonseca. Way to show respect to the guys who gave us a show, something to cheer about but had their careers cut short....Think before you write.
I've subscribed to Racer X since it was a newspaper. You used to tell it like it is but now its all political BS. What happened to you guys? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Man what a bunch of 8 year old whiners on this site. All you crybabies read the f*cking intro paragraph before you start crying. He specifically said "Here’s a list of big crashes and injuries away from the races". Not practice at a race or during a race. He also said "10 Tough practice crashes", not "Every practice crash in the history of the sport".
David Lynch, learn to f*cking read. Button, crashed during practice at a SX, Baily, crashed in a race, Carletta, was during a SX. Again, if you would have read the intro paragraph you would not be on here making an ass out of yourself. Political BS? How is this article Political BS? I doubt you even know what it means.
Do some of you guys come on here just to cry like pre-pubescent punks?
andrew mcfarlane?
former yamaha of troy rider died while practicing :(
Motohead279..... You're an idiot. How can you discredit David Lynch's statement? He rode pro and you hide behind your undisclosed name? Did you read the title of the story? It said 10 tough practice crashes. What do you think happened to these guys? It doesn't say 10 outdoor only practices. Put the training wheels back on your pink crf 50 and shut your cake hole. Thank god that it hasn't happened to you.
Sincerely yours
Motohead279hater
Good call "hater". Motohead279 has probably never ever made it into a stadium packed with thousands of screaming fans. Never rode with the best of the best in 100 degree California sun in a heat race at Pala. This guy has no idea what goes through your mind when you break your wrist and they tell you your racign career is over. It's easy to talk about whining when you have no clue how much is invested into this sport and what it takes and took to get you ther.
Standing beside you Lynch!
Way to go R Johnson.
Point is very clear, practice is practice. It doesn't matter if it is on your home track, in the stadium or out at glen helen. When your in the industry, practice is practice (getting ready for a race period). The article says practice crashes, what it doesn't say is play time or riding for fun or filming for a crusty demons video. Practice is very serious for a pro card rider. Motohead279 you and Weigandt need to find your facts before you post!
This has nothing to do with anyones riding skills or accomplishments, that has nothing to do with this article and my point. I have ridden and raced for many years. None of you know my racing background, my accomplishments nor my love for the sport and for everyone who has ever lined up on the gate to ride, nor do I know yours, and I care less and its irrevelant to this and my point. It is retarded for some of you coming on here and getting your panties in a wad and spewing hate towards the author when he specifically stated at the beginning of the article what he was talking about. He specifically stated in his artilce "AWAY FROM THE RACES" I take it that most of you are somewhat literate and can read, but then again, maybe not.
Here is a small recap on Weigants opening paragraph. "On the bright side, things could be worse. Trey’s not the only rider to go down while testing—just ask Jake Weimer. Here’s a list of big crashes and injuries away from the races. Some are unfortunate, some tragic."
And people come on here crying and whining that he missed guys that were at a race when they crashed. Weigant specifically said "AWAY FROM THE RACE". Its like starting a thread about your favorite type of seafood and someone getting mad that chicken wasn't on the list. Unbelievable.
Here, Brenda, R. Johnson, and Motohead279Hater, this should help http://www.hookedonphonics.com/learn to read.
Does practicing still qualify as away from the races? Practicing away or at still is practicing! It's completely obvious that you have never been near one of these guys after they have rehabbed and had to move on. If this happened to you, you would be singing a different tune, why so defensive? If you are so qualified to answer on behalf of the author, give us your name! Let us know about all of your championships if ther are any!
Brenda, good lord, who is disputing the definition of what practice is. My point is the list was specifically stated about injuries AWAY from the race track. Yet people jump up and down on here and get so pissed off and not read what the article is written about. Weigant specifically wrote AWAY from the races. How is that so hard to comprehend? Simple as that. Draw your own conclusions about me and my riding career, injuries, whatever. Its totally irrevelant to this topic and I could honestly care less. This article and my point made no difference if I was a multi time national champion or never even have ridden a bike. And trust me, my list of injuries are probably a tad bit longer than yours, as well others have had much worse than I have had. Again, its irrevelant to this whole discussion.
Again, read the whole article first before complaining.
Brian B. (Do you feel better knowing my first name and last initial now, like you, like it really matters?)
Happy Easter everyone.
Motohead279, not that you or anybody else cares, but i'm with you on this one!! I see your point clearly!! The title of this thing is "10 TOUGH PRACTICE CRASHES" "See who tops the list"........it is not called "Every practice crash in the history of the sport"!!!! Weege had to narrow it down to 10. Regardless of "who" you are, racer or not, to discredit the author because his list of "TEN" didn't include the ones you thought it should is ridiculous!!!
Brian B?????? You want to talk "technically" about stuff. These are all AMA pros and this is what the article seems to be based on. David Bailey's crash was "technically" testing race bikes at a non AMA event. That would be considered "practice". Jeremy McGrath "The King" crashed testing the KTM dislocating his hip and pretty much ending his career. So yes, there were many who were forgotten who shouldn't have been. Talk about getting your panties in a wad, Brian B or whoever you are. We'll just let this be over for now so you and your good friend Weigant can talk about it tomorrow at the office. Happy Easter! And by the way, I have plenty of knowledge of what political BS is and so does your friend Weigant.
Brian b...thanks for clearing it up. Jimmy was practicing in san diego, going 2-3 miles an hour around the track, practicing! After reviewing the article twice more to see if I owe you an apology, I have concluded that you didn't read it. There are a couple of cases Weigandt lists that happened away from the track.... True, pastrana screwing around at the ranch, and a couple of others doing something similar, but How does that qualify as practice? Emig... Practicing at Ron ron's house, fonseca, Hansen, bowers all hurt practicing on test tracks or at an event. I still don't see the confusion you are having with this one, dicking off and actually practicing are not the same thing.
I think crashing sucks.
I liked the article.
The article listed 10 crashes that impacted our sport. It was not titled "The top 10 practice crashes" or "The ONLY 10 practice crashes ever" or "The 10 mostest worstest crashes". Grow up, people. If we were to list every crash we would be here for months.
First off, Brenda, go and re-read the opening paragraphs, again. It does not say AWAY FROM TRACKS, it says AWAY FROM THE RACES. Icarumba. Yes, most of these were at a track, but they were all "AWAY FROM THE RACES". Maybe if I shout "AWAY FRROM THE RACES" a few more times it wiull sink in.
David, yes I agree, MC's crash was left off there that should/could of been on there, as it happened away from the races. Again, does he have room to fit everyone in the history of the sport on there, no. Baily, Carletta, Button, Trettle, again all were tragic, but it was not "away from the races", it was practice, but at a race. Thats not what this article was about. My buddy Weigandt? ummm, ok. Since I live in FL and own my own business I'm not to sure that we will meet by the water cooler today. Maybe I will fly up there tomorrow though so we can chat about it though.
Why do you guys keep stating practice is practice and making that your point to dispute? This was not about the definition of practice. Then my personal stats and calling disrespect for riders being left off a list because they were not on it? This again is all irrevelant. I'm just calling it like I see it. I don't understand, do I have a special version of this article and am I the only one who sees the typing that states "AWAY FROM THE RACES"? written there? Every rider listed on the list was hurt practicing somewhere not at an event, weather a test track or a private practice facility. That was the SPECIFIC point of theis article. Then everyone gets grumpy that other riders who were hurt "during race weekend", practice or not, that were left off. Again, that wasn't the specific point of this article. Noone here is disputing what practice is, nor the fact that any of the riders that were left off the list were less tragic or less important. It just that those all happened, although in practice, at a race weekend.
So let me guess if next weeks article is going to be "10 bad SX crashes" and whoever writes the article states this week its specifically about crashes from Daytona, I bet some people are going to get mad that RV's crash last year from St. Luis isn't included in there...
Let it go, man. Deep breath, exhale......
I always ate it at the worst possible times, and busted something....thats why,......I sucked.............i think.
lol, I'm actually starting to find this amusing...
@Motohead279 - There would have been a time when people would have frowned upon you and called you names for arguing with the mentally challenged but you did so in a tactful manner while trying to explain the simple art of reading. I especially liked the hooked on phonics link. That not only made you the bigger person but showed that you want to help those less fortunate. Bravo sir. Oh and by the way, just because an AMA pro is at a race not sanctioned by the AMA does not mean that it doesnt qualify as a race IMO.