Question moto folk...

8 days in the ICU sounds pretty serious. How does your son feel about it?

There's a lot in life besides moto...

i'm 46 years old and never had children, but i raced for eight years starting in the senior mini class.

racing was important to me, but i also knew the risk, and knew i could be seriously injured or killed. i was not allowed to particpate in other sports and boy scouts didnt seem to be my cup of tea so racing was very important to me and was my life.

it was important with self development, accomplishment, experiencing a little victory, and i also suffered a lot of defeat.

the point i'm trying to make is how important is the role does racing play in your son's life.

as far as injury and danger go, it seems like every public middle school has a lot of gun toting thugs, then there is the dangerous drivers all over the roads. so your family will have to evaluate the relative danger factor.

i hope i was able to offer you a perspective and that you get it worked out.

This made me think of a plane crash. Take it seriously, understand it, be honest, and fix the problem before proceeding so a repeat doesn't happen.

A mom should not accept an answer like "it won't happen again." That is complacency and is the wrong answer.

If he has skills and loves what he is doing and riding on the edge, a good riding school from a pro can make him ride safer. It's like skiing-it looks easy but you are going to run into a lot of trees until you learn to listen to the instructor.

Not sure how old your kid is, but I'd base it on what he wants and his intelligence level. I have been the parent, but I've also been the kid, taken to the hospital several times by my parents. If he truly wants to ride and you don't let him, he will resent it. You will be able to tell if he still has the drive to race.

Like WSR had mentioned, I think the answer to your question has to come from your son. How old is he, is he reckless or skilled. Is he doing MX for fun or are you mini parents that push him ???

As a parent I don't want to see my little guy get hurt, but he loves it like I do. He asked me last year when I pulled my arm right out of its socket if I was going to ride again.... I looked at him and replied Absolutely I will just try not to make the same mistakes. He smiled and said good because he loves to go to the track with me... he's 4

leave it up to your son...

Drag Mom, sorry to hear that, I'd go with what WSR, and AMA714 said, I'd talk it over with him, maybe let him get back on the horse when he's ready...

Eight days in ICU=no racing IMO

I'd have to agree. Life threating condition earning a stay in ICU is diferent from a broken clavicle. If it were my son I'd say we'll see how you're doing further down the road.

I raced MX for many, many years up to Pro level and only ever broke a finger.

Obviously he had a nasty crash but he may never get another major injury again. Like everyone else has said minimize the risks as much as you can.

Get the best safety equipment money can buy, get him in to some schools so he has good technique and I.M.O depending on how old he is get him in to a strength building program building core strength and muscle tone.


If he loves it , really loves it , let him do it.

I always rode but never was a racer as a kid (too poor) so I have no insight from a racers view. However, I do have two sons that have raced. When the kids go down, you run to them and they are obvious injuries (broke bones) they'll be crying and it won't be because of the pain it's because they can't ride/race for awhile. The first thing usually out of my boys mouth to the Dr. is how long before I can ride again...

Now my wife will not go to the track. She stays intouch by phone and wants to hear on how they're doing but her nerves or ours could stand for her to be there. She wishes they wouldn't ride but she khows to try and stop it will cause serious resentment but my boys are almost grown so it could be different for you. They were about 10 and 12 when they started racing though.

Let the son decide, if it's deep down in his heart there will likely be some resentment like the other guy said but you are his mom and resentment or not I'm sure he would eventually get over it. These are some tough decisions but the injuries are just part of the sport. I wish I could tell you it wouldn't happed again but you know better.

On other thing I'd like to mention, from a dad stand point, racing dirtbikes has allowed me to have a lot more time with my sons than I think I ever would have had without the racing. Most times when boys get old enough to drive you pretty much don't get to hang out with them anymore. After I turned 16 I never went anywhere with my dad again. But me and my sons (17 and19) will still spend a whole weekend together at the track sleeping in a tent and bathing from some gallon jugs of water. I would hate to think about what time I would have lost with my boys had their mom made us stop. And see if you go with them you get that same special connection. My wife chose not too (she just could not take it ) but she didn't stop us. I thank her for that!!

Sorry for all the non related info, just want to let you know what else is out there besides the injuries..One other thing (I know getting long, lol) neither of us ever spent a single night in the hospital so that most definately changes it some. Good luck in whatever you choose to do..

Was the crash his own fault? What were the exact injuries? More info needed to give my answer.

How old is he?

x2 leave it up to him he doesnt have to race but let him "Cowboy Up" and get back in the saddle again even if just to ride if thats what he chooses to do....

On one hand, I agree wtih most here that you should let your son decide whether or not he wants to continue.

On the other hand, YOU are the parent AND RESPONSIBLE ADULT whose charge is to decide if moto (or any other activity) is too dangerous for your son until they turn 18. Your son is a minor and you are liable for any potential negligence. Your son (and lots of kids) might think it's OK to jump off the roof onto a trampoline or into a pool. A lot of parents would think otherwise. They probably won't get hurt but you as the parent will be declared responsible for your kid's actins (and injuries).

You and your husband know your son best and should be nuetral when deciding, not thinking about how much fun he has or what is best for you. It is ALL about your son.

Good luck, I know it's not easy.

As the father of a 16 year old who has been racing for four years I sympathize with your dilemma. He has had a broken collar bone and seperated shoulder along with other various cuts bruises and sprains. When we tell other parents we let him race they look at you like your crazy, but then when I find out that they let their kids play high school football I ask them if they are nuts!

I actually looked up injury stats for teen sports and to my surprise baseball was the deadliest for teen boys, and we are always hearing about a kid somewhere being paralized or worse from football. Hell we witnessed a 12 yr old girl die on our local soccer field from a head injury while my son was playing on the field next to hers.

Yes we worry about our sons safety,but we have bought the safety gear necessary and sent him to Gary Bailey's school to improve his riding skills. Yes we worry everytime he goes on the track, but you have to keep in mind that there are thousands of kids and adults racing every weekend that don't get hurt and alot of these kids go on to be pros without major injuries. I agree with the others that this has to be a decision that you have to make as a family because if you forbid it the child will find another way to ride without you knowing about it.

If he does race again give him a hug before every race, pray for his safety, then cheer him on like you would at any other sporting event!