A Honda spokesman informed MD yesterday that Sebastien Tortelli is doing well, and that his injury to his left wrist did not involve a bone break, simply a dislocation. As a precaution, Tortelli was flown to San Francisco shortly after the race to undergo surgery by famous motorcycle-doctor Arthur Ting (who recently performed surgery on Mick Doohan and Miguel DuHamel). The dislocation was corrected, and pins were placed in Tortelli’s wrist to immobilize it for three weeks. After the initial three weeks, a second cast will be put on Tortelli’s wrist, which will come off following three additional weeks.
Tortelli’s personal goal is to be in shape to ride, and win, the U.S. Grand Prix Motocross Race at Budds Creek scheduled for September 12, 1999. At that race, he could face his old nemesis, Stefan Everts, as well as American Ryan Hughes and other AMA and World GP stars. Honda’s spokesman indicated that Tortelli does not want to race if he is not feeling 100%, and ready to win.
Tortelli, following a mediocre Supercross season, shocked the AMA riders at the opening round of the Outdoor Motocross National series at Glen Helen, California by winning both motos following horrible starts. Tortelli charged through the pack so hard and so fast that it amazed the AMA riders and the U.S. press, many of whom were unaware of Tortelli’s blistering speed outdoors. Tortelli had been leading the AMA championship points battle earlier this year, prior to his injury.
