My friend Shane Watts was hurt pretty bad recently, not totally sure what happened yet but he could sure use our thoughts and prayers. Thanks in advance!
Offroad racing legend Shane Watts was seriously injured yesterday in a crash while setting up for a Dirt Wise Riding School in Warrensburg, Missouri. Watts endoed off of a creek bank and was drilled in the back by his bike. He was forced to walk out by himself. From what we know right now, Watts has fractured the T-5, 6, and 7 vertebrae and is in the ICU awaiting possible surgery to stabilize one of those vertebrae. Along with some broken ribs and other minor injuries sustained in his crash the doctors are keeping him immobilized to prevent any further damage. Shane's wife, Carrie took an early flight this morning to Kansas City, Missouri where he is currently hospitalized at the Research Medical Center. There will be more scans coming soon and further updates will be given as soon as available. Please keep Wattsy and his family in your thoughts and prayers!
Just spoke with Leigh Letellier (Letko Cycles) who had Wattsy in town for his off-road school and a hare scrambles this weekend. Shane was released from Research Hospital yesterday and is back home in North Carolina. He is seeing his personal physician to discuss options, whether surgery is required, etc. He walked up on his own out of the ravine he crashed into, one tough little dude! Although his injuries are nothing to sneeze at (something that will be hard to do with broken ribs...I know this from experience!), Shane could easily have wound up in a wheelchair or a body bag. He definitely had some Six Day angels watching out for him.
Sadly, he was to leave today for the ISDE in Portugal where he was to ride for the Australian team again. I'm sure he'd appreciate hearing at home from any fans and well wishers. I'm just relieved to know this talented rider is doing OK.
Jeff DeBell
Just received a short note from Shane last nite; "I flew home last nite. Going to see a specialist in NC today, Maybe a small chance of surgery to stabilize the one "problem" vertebra. Ended up sustaining 5 vertebra with multiple fractures and also have 3 broken ribs." Wow, what a guy, tougher than nails!
Shane will be in my thoughts and Prayers.
Ron Carbaugh
I will have Shane in my prayers also.
Thomas Carmichael
1970 125 Six Day
1976 250 Hare Scrambler
thank you for letting us know and for the updates.. I will be praying as well... I was wondering what happened to a few of my Angels, now I know what happened... Glad they were on the job...
Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)