The Racers We Help
Below are the stories as told by the racers themselves, the racers whom the Red Flag Fund supported in their need.
Paul
Date of Crash: July 2020
Location: Brainerd International Raceway
The Crash
In May 2020, I proudly earned my master’s degree in Information Assurance from St. Cloud State University—a milestone I had worked tirelessly to achieve. Just a few months later, on the weekend of July 18, I set out to race, eager to embrace my passion for speed and competition.
I have no memory of the day before the crash or the three days following it. What I know comes from those who witnessed it. Heavy rain had drenched the track the night before, and while the surface had dried, pools of water remained in the grass bordering the course. As I navigated Turn 2, I turned in slightly too late, forcing me toward the outside of the corner. Realizing I was running out of track, I stood the bike up, intending to run off safely into the grass. Instead, my bike hydroplaned, violently throwing me off. A corner worker watched as both my body and bike tumbled before I collided with the retaining wall—an area believed to have lacked an air fence.
Injuries Sustained
The sheer force of the impact changed everything in an instant. I suffered a traumatic brain injury and two fractured vertebra, injuries that not only threatened my ability to race again but also altered my daily life. To stabilize my spine, I underwent cervical fusion surgery, where surgeons used rods and screws to fuse four vertebrae in my neck from C5 to T1. .
Recovery
Recovery was not just physical—it was mental and emotional. Several months after the crash, I met with a specialist at the Functional Neurology Center (FNC) in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Tests confirmed what I had already begun to feel: my ocular tracking was impaired, and I had developed nystagmus—an involuntary eye movement that constantly disrupted my vision. The dizziness, brain fog, and fatigue felt relentless, making even simple tasks exhausting.
Many of the specialized treatments that could have helped me—particularly the intensive therapy sessions at the Functional Neurology Center—were not covered by insurance. This was a crushing reality to face. But I refused to give up.
After being treated at the FNC, I rented a hyperbaric chamber to increase the amount of oxygen reaching my brain and injured neck area. Over the course of 60 days, I completed a total of 72 sessions of an hour each in the chamber. I also did light therapy for my visual issues and have received a total of three rounds of platelet-rich plasma injections into my neck to stimulate my body’s recovery of the damaged ligaments.
Today
Although I have made significant progress, I still battle daily with dizziness, spinal irritation, balance issues, and mental fatigue. Every step forward has come with its own set of challenges, but I continue to push forward. Some days are better than others for symptoms, which gives me hope that progress is still possible.
Starting in September 2023, I started seeing a NUCCA chiropractor to address the misalignment of my C1-C2 vertebrae. This allowed the alignment to be corrected and alleviate the symptoms for a short time. Unfortunately, due to the ligament damage in my neck, these adjustments have not held for very long. In addition to this, I do daily physical therapy. The therapy consists of strengthening the muscles in my neck and back to help compensate for the ligament damage.
In November 2023, I achieved my cybersecurity analyst certification—a hard-earned victory— that opened the door to a contractor position as a software developer. By March 2024, I secured a full-time job as an analyst in a security operations center. This accomplishment felt monumental, proving to myself that despite my setbacks, I could still move forward, still find purpose.
Since the crash, I have not returned to racing, and with my ongoing balance, vision, and neck instability issues, it is unlikely that I ever will. Life has a way of forcing us to adapt, to find new paths.
Though this journey has tested me in ways I never imagined, I am still standing. I continue to fight for my recovery, to reclaim as much of myself as I can. My story isn’t just one of loss—it’s one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of a new future.
Brett
Date of Crash: June 2023
Race Track: Brainerd International Raceway
The Crash
I was out on the track behind another racer a couple of bike lengths when he hit the brakes for turn six. The racer’s bike’s front wheel locked, launching his bike into the air. The airborne motorcycle hit me directly in the chest. I took the full brunt of the flying motorcycle, and it took me out.
Injuries Sustained
I suffered nine rib fractures, a broken clavicle (collar bone) and scapula, a collapsed left lung, and a slight puncture in my right lung. My first surgery was for my collar bone. After the surgery, I went home but I had to return to the hospital after a couple days as fluid built back up in my chest. A couple more consults later, it was decided that I needed to have the posterior ribs repaired. Six weeks later I went back in for my final surgery during which the surgeon had to re-brake my posterior ribs and insert 3 plates.
Recovery
While recovering, I continued to do classroom coaching. Six weeks almost to the day of the accident, on Labor Day weekend, I was back out on the race track with the same group I coached. Although one rib still caused some discomfort, I am currently 90-95% recovered as of early 2025.
Today
In 2024, I returned to club racing. A year after the date of my accident, I qualified to race the Moto America race at Road America in Plymouth, Wisconsin, and placed 20th. In July 2024 at Brainerd International Raceway, while qualifying for my home Moto America race I had a minor setback with a fall, injuring my other shoulder.
RFF is happy to hear that not much stops Brett from following his passion, and he remains deeply involved in motorcycle racing.
Seth
Date of Crash: June 2024
Race Track: Blackhawk Farms Raceway
The Crash
I was racing my first event as an Expert in Unlimited Supersport at Blackhawk Farms Raceway. The previous day, I didn’t get much practice on the track due to rain. On my fifth lap—my fastest one—I headed into Turn 2 at triple-digit speed. As I leaned into the turn, looking left, a deer suddenly appeared from the right, coming from the inside of the track. It jumped directly in front of me, and I collided with it head-on. I went down and slid into the wall.
Due to the visible trauma and uncertainty regarding my internal injuries, Flight for Life was called. The paramedics quickly administered ketamine and fentanyl. Despite everything feeling like it was happening in slow motion, it seemed like everyone around me was talking fast. I found myself wondering if I was going to make it—if this would be the end for me.
When I arrived at the hospital, I was rushed into surgery.
Injuries Sustained
I suffered a broken femur on my right side. On my left side, I sustained a broken ulna, a dislocated wrist, a broken finger, a broken rib, and a torn AC (acromioclavicular) joint.
Recovery
During surgery on the same day as the crash, the surgeon inserted a rod through my knee, a plate in my arm, and pins in my wrist—all permanent hardware.
Today
I’d like to race again in the future, but maybe not this year. I’m interested in participating in an endurance race in Georgia on Memorial Day, but before I can race again, I need a new bike and a new suit. Regardless of whether I race, I will continue to be involved in some way with motorcycle racing.
Seth and his wife have been valuable volunteers and contributors to the RFF annual auction.
Charles
Date of Crash: July 2024
Race Track: Blackhawk Farms Raceway
The Crash
Racing has always been a passion of mine, but on July 13, 2024, an unexpected turn of events changed my journey on the track. During my first lap, I noticed some minor issues with my motorcycle, however, after that initial lap, the bike seemed to be running fine.
On the second lap, as I exited Turn One and hit the throttle, I suddenly lost the rear of my motorcycle. In what felt like an instant, I took a low-side fall, and before I could react, another rider behind me collided with me.
The pit crew immediately attended to my motorcycle, preparing it for a possible return to the race. However, I quickly realized that I had significant pain in my back. Instead of taking the ambulance, I opted for a drive to the nearest hospital. Upon evaluation, the medical team recommended that I visit a better-equipped hospital for spinal injuries. I was taken to the second hospital by ambulance.
Injuries Sustained
After undergoing X-rays, doctors discovered a fracture in my L4 vertebra along with ligament damage. I spent five days in the hospital, waiting for my scheduled surgery. During the procedure, surgeons used pins to fuse my L4 and L5 vertebrae, ensuring stability and a better chance of full recovery.
Recovery
Two months after the crash, I had a follow-up appointment with my surgeon. To his surprise, my back had healed faster than expected. I no longer needed assistance with walking, nor did I require a back brace. Given my progress, the doctor officially released me, noting that most healing occurs within the first three weeks of injury.
Despite my rapid recovery, occasional soreness persisted, prompting me to seek physical therapy through the VA. The therapy sessions helped me regain strength and mobility, further accelerating my return to normal activity.
Today
Since the accident, I have not returned to racing. I had planned to attend a few races, but unfortunately, they were canceled. However, I am looking ahead to April, where I hope to participate in a race in North Carolina. The event includes a practice session, which will allow me to assess my condition. If I experience discomfort, I may hold off on racing for now, but my passion for the sport remains strong.
This experience has been a significant test of resilience, but it has not dampened my love for racing. The road to recovery has been challenging, but I am grateful for the progress I have made and hopeful for what lies ahead.