From a press release issued by Team Oliver Yamaha:

Rich Oliver Medical Update

Rich Oliver is recovering quickly from serious injuries sustained in the carousel turn at Sears Point raceway during the AMA weekend. Oliver crashed in the 20-minute timed qualifying session on Saturday, May 4th.

There are conflicting reports indicating Oliver hit another rider, or crashed in fluid left on the track from a previous crashed bike. Rich went into a hay-baled dirt bank at over 90 mph and was buried in a mountain of exploded haybales, the turn workers having to dig around to even locate him. No Air Fence sections were in place in this particular corner. He was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s Trauma Center for immediate treatment.

A compound fracture of his right forearm was the most serious problem, along with a partial amputation of two of his left toes. Rich also slightly separated his right shoulder and cracked one rib. A slight concussion is also apparent as Rich had this to say, “I really don’t remember what happened at all, I am still getting back pieces of the weekends memory a little at a time, I’m sure happy I wear a Shoei, it saved me once again!”

Rich had to spend a week in the hospital, as complications with his arm necessitated a second operation to relive the swelling pressure. An incision was made from the palm to the elbow and left open for two days, then in a third operation an attempt was made to close the arm up, but the swelling was still too much and the incision was only closed halfway. Three days later a forth operation finished the job, and Rich was released the following Saturday, May 11th.

Now recovering at his home in Auberry, California, Rich is doing remarkably well. No cast was necessary on his arm, as the broken bones were plated and screwed back together. Rich has been hitting the gym every day in an attempt to gain strength back in the damaged arm and shoulder. Working with trainer Sean Edin, 3 and 4-hour-long therapy sessions have netted huge gains in range of motion and grip strength. The plan is for Rich to return to action at Pikes Peak, to continue his rehabilitation by riding his Team Oliver Yamaha TZ250 as much as possible.

Rich comments further, “I really want to thank everyone for their phone calls, cards, and gifts. My friend, teacher Cindy Cass, even had her whole class send me hand-made get-well cards! It’s all really helped me keep motivated and positive. I’ve had a rough season so far, but don’t give up on me yet, I’m still going to race for the win in the remaining races, and try again for the Championship next year.”