HMC Ducati released a press release March 20 headlined “Doctors Predict Full Recovery For ‘Mr. Daytona'”, which read as follows:

“HMC Ducati Team rider Scott Russell is on the road to recovery after an accident at the first round of the AMA Superbike series left him with a badly broken left arm and leg. The five-time Daytona winner is already showing signs of strength in his damaged arm and is expected to be released from Halifax hospital in a week’s time.

“Russell has spent a rocky week in the Daytona hospital. He has been in and out of intensive care and has lost a lot of blood, but doctors are confident that the bleeding has stopped and have started the first stage of skin grafts. When the grafting is complete, Russell will have to stay immobilized for five days; with no complications, he should be on his way home to Georgia on Monday or Tuesday of next week.

“When Russell was first admitted to Halifax hospital, doctors’ main concern was the damage to his arm, which required a plate rather than a pin, but so far there have been no problems and already he is able to straighten all five fingers and is even trying to use the arm to pull himself up straight in bed. Scott’s sister, Sheri, was amazed when he squeezed her hand with a firm grip.

“Russell is also showing signs of impatience, eager to return home and start rehabilitation. There is no doubt the former World Champion will be back in the saddle as soon as physically possible.”