The Roaring Season

ERC wrote:I believe that they stock the G force version and Simpson from $89-$99 incl GST. Probably a small price to pay considering the job they do. Compulsory wear in speedway.

They made us use them in Aussie last year Ray, or you don't race, windows also half up if you have them(Saloon that is)!! We just purchased Sprint Car ones that come in a set of two and are cheap, we only need them on the window side arm.

I don't know Tony Sturm but I wish him well in recovery and lets hope this doesn't put him of old car racing.

Dale M

I was the Flaggie on the point where Tony had his accident. As a group, we wish Tony (and Vic) well in his recovery and hope to see him back at the track.

Any updates on the respective conditions of Tony and Vic?

Tony has been relocated to Auckland and is bright and cheerful. Dr's are not allowing him a mobile telephone and insisting he rests and they are not accepting many visitors either.

He is hoping to start physio in a day or two - so the nurses are on their guard!

Thanks for the interest. I am sure that Tony would be staggered to hear just how many people have enquired about his progress.

I had a quick note from Donn White who initiated the BMC Series and ran it successfully for the ten years before I inherited it. He reminded me that Tony was the first ever BMC Series, race winner.

Michael is more up to date about Vic, but I gather Vic was having a 3rd operation on his damaged arm at the weekend (past).

Thanks for the updates Ray, good to hear that things were not as bad as first reported on the Herald, but still a concern. Best wishes to both.

Hi. Pleased that Tony is well and recovering. Regards from Bruce E

A text from Vic's daughter earlier this evening confirms he is doing fine - but most unused to having to be still!

A quick update. Tony is doing very well and is as bright as a button. Due to the pelvis problems, he isn't allowed to be on an incline of more than 30 degrees at the moment.

The left hand and wrist is strapped as the tendon needed extensive repairs (18 stitches?) and he is pushing the physio's to increase his hand exercises from twice a week, having been told off for removing the wrist support and having a go himself!

It seemed to work as the hand specialist then called in and they seem to be working on it!

Tony is extremely optimistic and has a great positive attitude and is itching to get out and about, though his racing days are obviously over. Not the way he wanted to finish his race career.

He was visibly touched not only by the number of visitors who have gone out of their way to call in, but the tremendous support at the time.

Overlooked in my earlier thank you post (because I wasn't aware!) was Melissa from HRC who was apparently, nothing short of amazing and Maria Sutherland. Between them, they rescued all the stuff from the motel and managed to get the tow car back to Kaye, who was stranded at Waikato hospital with a low cell phone and no money or credit cards!

The hospital staff have been absolutely tremendous and Tony has great family support. We look forward to even more progress over the coming weeks, though he has been told he has another two weeks of complete rest.

Any news on how Vic Clarke is progressing?

Thanks for the update Ray. It is too easy to be concerned early and let it all pass by later. This is a long, slow recovery, but at least it IS recovery. Best wishes to both.

Hi Everyone... I own a company Formula R http://www.formular.co.nz . It is motor racing in miniature! My family has a history in motor racing, Dad being Ron Roycroft's great friend and spannerman. Currently I am in hospital in the bed next to Tony... he is in good spirits overall and recovering. First time I have met him and he's a heck of a good bloke. He is loved by the nurses and is being looked after well. Obviously he faces a long recovery but I am sure he has the strength to see it through.... cheers Peter Chatteris

Maybe you could get some cars into the ward. Could be fun! Tony might have to be team manager as I think he will have hung up what is left of his helmet.

Hope that whatever put you there isn't too serious. I'll try and call in again next week.

Tony is now home at long last. He still hasn't been able to put any weight on his left leg, but is hoping the surgeon will give him clearance to start working on it next week.

No doubt Kaye (and the nurses!) are pleased that he is now home.

That has been a long three months for Tony and his current ambition is to try and make the Series dinner May 10th.

Tony won the first ever BMC Series race 28 years ago, so he is very much part of the history of the series.

That is better news than we originally hoped for. Very sad that it happened at all, but at least he is on the mend. Best wishes

Fantastic to see Tony (centre) making it to the ERC Awards Dinner last night. What a great positive attitude to getting well again. Using a tall walking wheelie frame but able to stand unsupported. Broken tooth fixed and looking great!

Hey... It is nice to see Tony up right and looking so much better. Would anyone know if he is to come back to the track in Taupo? would like to see him again new tooth and all...