SOUTH Yunderup dirt kart champion and racing car driver Adrian Haywood faces an uncertain future after breaking his back in a Boxing Day crash at Perth Motorplex.
The past week has been an emotional rollercoaster for the active father.
“My racing season is over before it really started,” he said.
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READ NOW“I’ve been racing speedway for more than two years.
“I had two wins on the weekend at Perth Motorplex, including the Christmas Cup.”
Then on Saturday, tragedy struck.
Haywood was back in the field, racing a Formula 500.
“I was coming through and there was an issue at the front,” he said.
“There were cars darting everywhere and there was limited visibility.
“I hit the back of the wheel and was launched into the air.”
Haywood said it was the way he landed that caused the injury.
“That’s the risk you take,” Haywood said.
Haywood is recovering in Royal Perth Hospital and is waiting for the results of an X-ray to see the prognosis.
“I will either be getting ready to go home or have an operation,” he said.
“I might be laying in bed for six weeks and will need a brace for 12 weeks.
“Things will change for me, but I’m lucky because a lot of people are a lot worse than me.
“I’m not sure if I will race again, but I will be able to help others realise their dreams,” he said.
Haywood raced go karts for 25 years and has won State and Australian titles.
“I would just like to say thanks anyone and everyone that has contacted me, messaged me and visited,” he said.
“Thousands of people from Australia, Europe and America – I’m very very humbled.
“These messages have been very lifting in what has been and still is a tough time in mine and my family and friends’ lives.”