AMA Hall of Famer Craig Vetter, 73, was seriously injured when he collided with a deer while riding his Honda-powered streamliner streetbike August 12 near his home in Carmel, California.

According to his wife Carol Vetter, Craig Vetter was about one mile from his ranch and riding his Honda Helix-based machine at slow speed on a residential street when he collided with the deer.

Vetter was transported via ambulance to the trauma center at Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, California, where he was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Vetter was diagnosed with an edema on his brain, a fracture of his C2 vertebra, five broken ribs on the right side, a broken right clavicle, a bruised lung, a broken orbital socket and facial lacerations. Vetter was wearing an open-face helmet at the time of the crash, according to his wife.

Vetter remains hospitalized in the ICU at Natividad, but Carol Vetter reports that at this point he has regained consciousness, is speaking and is in good spirits, has no paralysis or loss of motor skills, and will not need any surgery to help his injuries heal.

Carol Vetter said those wishing to send messages and well wishes to her husband can do so via www.craigvetter.com.

Craig Vetter, a former racer and team owner, is best known for pioneering motorcycle fairing designs from the 1960s to the 1980s and continues his work today by organizing Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge motorcycle events. He also lectures and is currently writing a book, according to his wife.