Graves Yamaha AMA Racer Injured in Scooter Accident

Motorcycle racers recognize they compete in a dangerous sport, risking serious harm in a crash. Of course, all riders know about the risks, whether they’re on a race track or on the street. Still it seems odd to hear Daytona Sportbike racer Cameron Beaubier broke his knee cap and injured his wrist crashing a 50cc scooter on the street.

Beaubier may ride a Yamaha YZF-R6 on the track but the accident occurred when the Graves Yamaha racer clipped an unseen hazard on the road while riding his Yamaha Zuma 50 scooter.Doctors inserted screws and wires into Beaubier’s knee to hold the broken patella in place. Beaubier’s wrist was injured but did not require surgery.

“I’m so disappointed to have injured myself, and in such an odd manner,” says Beaubier. “It happened so quickly, and I’m fortunate that there were no other vehicles around at the time. I’m not yet sure what my prognosis is for racing at Road Atlanta (April 20-22) in a few weeks, but I’m hopeful for a quick recovery.”

The 19-year-old has impressed onlookers so far this season. Beaubier was among the front-runners in the 2012 Daytona 200, finishing on the podium in third place while edging out the 2010 Daytona Sportbike Champion Martin Cardenas in a photo finish. The accident comes days after Beaubier topped all Daytona Sportbike riders at the official AMA test at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Fortunately, Beaubier has nearly a month to recover before the 2012 AMA Pro Racing season resumes at Road Atlanta.

[Source: Yamaha]

By Dennis Chung