Zac Chapman, a WERA racer and team rider for TVR/EBC Brakes Yamaha, was critically injured in a sprint race on Saturday during WERA’s Cycle Jam at Virginia International Raceway. Chapman supported TVR during the endurance race on Friday, although he opted not to ride. He is recovering from a broken ankle and felt the hour-long stints might be too strenuous. After the endurance race, Chapman stayed to compete on his own bikes throughout the remainder of the weekend. During his first race on Saturday, Chapman crashed in turn six; it was a single-bike incident. Chapman received head and neck injuries in the crash. He was initially lucid, but he was taken to the hospital in nearby Danville as a precaution. After arriving there, however, his condition declined and he was airlifted to the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia. As of Sunday night, Chapman is in a coma due to his injuries””including fluid buildup inside his skull””and is listed in critical condition. He has already undergone two surgeries to relieve the pressure in his skull and to accommodate swelling. More information will be released as it becomes available. Chapman’s family is by his side, and they, along with his TVR teammates, request prayers and thoughts for his recovery. “Zac is more than a teammate; he’s also a good friend,” said TVR team owner Chuck Ivey. “The whole team is pulling for him.” Anyone who wishes to send cards should address them to: Carilion Clinic Zac Chapman, Room 972 P.O. Box 13367 Roanoke, VA 24033
WERA Racer Chapman Critically Injured At VIR
WERA Racer Chapman Critically Injured At VIR
© 2009, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.