DaveInDaytona
10-27-2002, 02:36 AM
Scott Russell: To Hell & Back
by evan williams
Friday, October 25, 2002
The moral of the story: never say never. After telling reporters he won't or can't ever race again, Scott Russell is seriously flirting with a comeback. Here's his recent time line:
March 11, 2001
On the second restart of the Daytona 200, Ducati-mounted Scott Russell is injured in a crash, breaking his left arm and leg. Russell nearly died twice after the crash, on the grid and later in the hospital.
March 27, 2002
Russell, a five time Daytona 200 winner leaves the Daytona hospital and returns home.
May 2, 2001
Andy Meklau replaces Russell with HMC. He will race the entire season in his place.
August 8, 2001
HMC Ducati tests at Virginia International and Russell rides for the first time since his crash. Amazingly, he is only 2.5 seconds off the pace, despite not riding for months. Mechanics from several teams applauded Russell as he came past the signaling area, welcoming him back on track.
August 21, 2001
Ducati announces Russell will ride at PPIR and the VIR, the last two races of the year. An infection prevented him from doing so, however.
September 20, 2001
Russell says printed rumors of him officially retiring are untrue, as he is still unsure of his future.
March 8, 2002
Scott Russell officially retires from racing at a press conference at Daytona. He gives a speech to the grandstand at Daytona, thanking his fans for their support.
August 30, 2002
Although he is racing dirt bikes regularly, Russell says he has no plans to return to professional racing.
October 23, 2002
Mitch Hansen confirms that a HMC/Russell partnership for 2003 is in the works, despite several obstacles. Russell reportedly confirms he is keen to race again.
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by evan williams
Friday, October 25, 2002
The moral of the story: never say never. After telling reporters he won't or can't ever race again, Scott Russell is seriously flirting with a comeback. Here's his recent time line:
March 11, 2001
On the second restart of the Daytona 200, Ducati-mounted Scott Russell is injured in a crash, breaking his left arm and leg. Russell nearly died twice after the crash, on the grid and later in the hospital.
March 27, 2002
Russell, a five time Daytona 200 winner leaves the Daytona hospital and returns home.
May 2, 2001
Andy Meklau replaces Russell with HMC. He will race the entire season in his place.
August 8, 2001
HMC Ducati tests at Virginia International and Russell rides for the first time since his crash. Amazingly, he is only 2.5 seconds off the pace, despite not riding for months. Mechanics from several teams applauded Russell as he came past the signaling area, welcoming him back on track.
August 21, 2001
Ducati announces Russell will ride at PPIR and the VIR, the last two races of the year. An infection prevented him from doing so, however.
September 20, 2001
Russell says printed rumors of him officially retiring are untrue, as he is still unsure of his future.
March 8, 2002
Scott Russell officially retires from racing at a press conference at Daytona. He gives a speech to the grandstand at Daytona, thanking his fans for their support.
August 30, 2002
Although he is racing dirt bikes regularly, Russell says he has no plans to return to professional racing.
October 23, 2002
Mitch Hansen confirms that a HMC/Russell partnership for 2003 is in the works, despite several obstacles. Russell reportedly confirms he is keen to race again.
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