After a massive high side in race two yesterday at Donington, WSB points leader Noriyuki Haga had his championship lead trimmed to just 14 points over Yamaha’s Ben Spies (who won both races). Furthermore, Haga suffered injuries that could potentially prevent him from racing in some of the remaining WSB rounds.
An initial concern that Haga had broken bones in his back appears to have been resolved. Apparently, an initial xray that appeared to show a fracture simply highlighted a much earlier injury that has already repaired itself, and Haga’s back is fine.
He does have a broken right arm, and Haga is scheduled for surgery today to plate that break. Due to the fact that there is a large time gap between the Donington race and the next round at Brno (scheduled for July 26), it is possible Haga could continue without missing a race. Nevertheless, the way Ben Spies is riding presently, Haga will need to step up his game in order to maintain his points lead and secure the championship this year.
