When someone is seriously injured during a race weekend, most people in the paddock only see the beginning. The session stops, an ambulance moves, and people wait for news. Eventually, the schedule resumes. By the end of the weekend, the motorcycles are loaded and most people are headed home.
For the injured rider and their family, that may be where the harder part begins. There can be a hospital stay, months of recovery, missed work, travel, and ordinary expenses that keep arriving throughout all of it.
Back on Track was created to help with that part.
Credit: Cycle News Archive Article
From the Archives of Cycle News, this article appeared on April 11, 2021, resourced from issue #34, August 29, 2007. The story has a nice history for each of the Rookies of ’79 and Friends founders.
The article was written by the industry icon Larry Lawrence. Click here to read all about these talented men that have given so much of their lives and talents to the sport of flat track. Source: Back-on-track
The organization began as Rookies of ’79, a group of racers helping other racers, before becoming the 501(c)(3) nonprofit known today as Back on Track.
Back on Track provides financial assistance to eligible injured motorcycle racers and their families following a racing injury or accident. The help comes from individual donors, riders, fans, motorcycle clubs, businesses, and others who decide to support the work.
People who have spent time in a racing paddock usually understand why this matters. The challenge is making sure the work is also known outside that immediate circle, where a donation, company introduction, or shared fundraiser may reach someone who can help.
Credit: TrackDNA Issue 02
If you want to support Back on Track, you can make a one-time donation or share one of its current fundraisers. Businesses can also support the organization directly. Racers and families dealing with an injury can review the eligibility information and request assistance through the organization.
TrackDNA featured Back on Track in Issue 02 because an injured rider does not stop being part of the paddock once the ambulance leaves or the season continues. This website piece gives people a direct place to find the organization, understand what it does, and decide how they can help.
