Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Ty Howard, who rides a Yamaha YZF-R6 for Shogun Motorsports and a Kawasaki ZX-9R for Zlock Racing in Formula USA competition, was involved in a serious accident Sunday, September 9 exiting turn nine of Portland International Speedway. Howard was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with a “Level One” concussion, said to be the lowest level concussion. After an MRI and CAT scan, no other injuries were found. After spending Sunday and Monday in Intensive Care, Howard was moved to a regular room Tuesday, September 11 where he remained under observation and in good spirits, according to Shogun team owner Brooks Gremmels, who also said that Howard was looking to be released on Wednesday. Get Well messages for Ty Howard can be sent to his e-mail address at [email protected].

While at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Gremmels was able to check on the condition of Ducati Performance/Advanced Motor Sports rider Craig Connell, who was involved in the same incident as Howard. Originally, it was reported that Connell re-injured the shoulder that he separated August 24 at Pocono International Raceway. Connell did indeed displace his right shoulder, but he also suffered a break of the upper arm bone just below the shoulder joint.

According to Gremmels, Connell was released from the hospital, is staying in a hotel in Portland, and plans to travel to San Francisco on Wednesday, September 12 to be evaluated by Dr. Arthur Ting.

Connell’s travel plans may have to change considering today’s terrorist attacks and subsequent shut-down of all air travel in the United States.