Nitro Nori - The Ironman
Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 at 9:19 am by rhino
For those of you that keep up with racing, I have to recognize Noriuki Haga’s accomplishment this past weekend.
For those of you who attended or watched the WSBK’s race at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah two weeks ago, you know that Hagasan crashed in qualifying breaking a collarbone.
Now for those of you who have never broken a collarbone (clavicle), it hurts like a son-of-a-B! I’ve done it twice and once the swelling comes up to full pressure (about a day) any movement is almost unbearable. Think coughing with a broken rib. This excruciating pain lasts 2 to 3 weeks.
Did the Samurai of Slide pack it in for the weekend? Hell, no!
He went out later that same afternoon and did Superpole, qualifying in 10th position against some of the best, uninjured riders in the world. The next day consisted of 2 one hour long races with only about an hour and a half between. Even though he crashed out of the first race, he was running just a bit behind the leaders when it happened. And in the second race he finished 6th. This may not seem like much to some people, but I guarantee this is nothing short of superhuman. Most racers that break a collarbone pack it in for 4 to 6 weeks.
Haga paid a quick visit to San Francisco and Dr. Ting who plated and screwed his mangled bone back together and sent him back to Europe.
Than against all odds, Nori put his Yamaha R1 on the front row (4th position)for the races this past weekend in Germany and the subsequently WON BOTH RACES!!!
I’m awestruck that not only could this guy race, but that he could kick ass!
Was a big fan, now a fan for life,
Rhino
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Same here. Always been a fan, but after seeing his performance at Miller, then witnessing him bs’ing with an excited fan after the races while still in the golf cart, shows a lot. I think a lot of guys woulda headed to the showers immediately.