From a press release:

American racer John Pearson riding again in Australia

After severely breaking his collarbone in September, American racer John Pearson returned to Eastern Creek Raceway and participated in a recent track day practice.

“I was ready to get back on the bike in November, but Dr. Burrow, the orthopedic surgeon who operated on me, wanted one more month to heal, and since it’s the off season down here, it was no big deal to wait a little longer,” said Pearson. “When I asked Dr. Burrow if I could ride this month he said yes, but I had to promise not to crash, and I was like…uh, yeah, sure.

“I still have the plate and screws in there, but those should be ready to come out in February.

“The first session out I was a little rusty, but I made some adjustments and by the third session I was going really well. In the afternoon I was turning some good laps and chasing HRC rider Josh Brookes around. He was going a bit better than I was, and there were a lot of slower riders out there in the so-called fast group, but I was able to keep him in sight.

“Things are kinda up in the air for next season. The Australian Superbike and Formula Xtreme series merged and will run a 1000cc Superbike National class next year, so my 813cc GSX-R isn’t legal and I can only race it in local and club events. For the National series next year, I am looking at riding a Honda RC-51 in the Pro Twins class with the help of one of the performance shops here in Sydney.

“I wish all my family and friends back home a Merry Christmas.”

Pearson, who is in the U.S. Navy, is part of a military exchange program and will be working, living and racing in Australia for the next two years.

His sponsors are Maxima Racing Oils, Lee’s Cycle Racing, Dunlop/Sport Tire Services, Moto-Heaven/Wintex, GRP Stabilizers, Fox Shox, and Intuitive Race Products.