RCD/FPW 125GP Race Team - Croft report

Round 3 of the Sunoco British Championship was held at the challenging North Yorkshire Circuit, Croft. With Callan Cooper sitting the round out due to his leg being in a cast after his Oulton Park crash, Tom Carne was left as the only rider for the team.

Tom used Thursday to walk the track with experienced ex 125 front runner, Lee Costello. This proved really useful as he picked up numerous lines and tips for a track Tom has minimal experience of.

Friday morning saw British weather at its most typical with conditions changing every 15 minutes with sunny, windy conditions being interspersed with the odd shower. For first free practice Tom “ran in” in a new piston for 5 laps before picking up the pace. At the same time he began to go quicker spots of rain started to land of his visor. The rain turned heavier and Tom returned to the pits after just 1 flying lap. Changing over to wets Tom went out on track only to find the track already drying due to the brisk wind. Unable to really push it any quicker, Tom ended the session 22nd with just the one flying lap.

Free practice 2 was held in better conditions and Tom was immediately out there with the front runners. On lap three disaster struck when, while braking between the left and right handers in the area of track known as the Complex, Tom lost the front grip and went down heavily.

Most of the impact with the track went through his head and as a result Tom was out cold. Marshals and medics attended to him immediately where he was immobilised and taken to the medical centre for further examination. X-rays at the circuit showed no broken bones, so Tom’s helmet and leathers were removed at this point.
Fully conscious but obviously showing the signs of his crash Tom was taken to Darlington’s Memorial Hospital for further examination. CT and MRI scans were performed on Tom and the results gave Tom the all clear.

Tom remained in the hospital overnight for observation and was discharged Saturday afternoon in time to watch 2nd qualifying from the banking. Tom was not allowed to take any further part in the weekend’s activities.

Tom and hopefully Callan will however be ready to go for Round 4, at Thruxton in Hampshire on the 28th—30th May.