Track Drying Compound Burns Motocross Riders
Track Drying Compound Burns Motocross Riders
Multiple Monster Energy AMA Supercross racers sustained severe rashes and burns due to a lime compound added to the track sand last weekend at the San Diego Petco Park race round. At least 20 riders suffered from painful, widespread rashes and 2nd-degree chemical burns following the races last Saturday, say AMA Supercross sources.
The culprit appears to have been a substance called QuickLime, a granulated lime that is mixed with track sand to help absorb moisture and maintain the consistency specs necessary for indoor Supercross racing. San Diego experienced heavy rainfall leading up to the races, and the lime/sand mixture had been introduced in two areas of the track that was the most rain-soaked, at a turn near the start, and before the “Whoops” section.
Racer Van Martin stated, “I’m all messed up from the weekend. Burns all over my body from the lime in the dirt.”
Apparently, after the QuickLime was mixed and spread across the questionable spots, rain set in again, and the lime never activated with the sand but remained suspended in the standing water. By race time, the decision was made to go, and numerous riders out front in the opening laps ran through the two spots, covering themselves and their bikes in the wet compound.
It was only after the races were over that riders and teams began to feel the effects of the lime substance. Their bodies broke out in painful rashes, and in their privates and parts that experienced chafing, they sustained what was essentially 2nd-degree chemical burns over large swaths of their bodies. Racer Van Martin stated, “I’m all messed up from the weekend. Burns all over my body from the lime in the dirt … I feel for all the riders that have the same effects and for all the mechanics that are having to put in the overtime.”
So pronounced were the effects, that several riders ended up in doctor’s offices and urgent care centers for treatment. Not only that, but pit crews discovered severe oxidation and corrosion across various metals on their motorcycles, also from the QuickLime. Rider Tyler Bowers posted on social media about his experience, declaring, “My body is hurting pretty bad, some nasty burns in the creases of my elbows, chest, stomach, glutes, itchiness almost all over … thanks for the lasting damage to my body and ruining my bike!”
The AMA as well as race promoters Feld Entertainment, investigated the incident over the past week, determining the cause. “The well-being of our members is a top priority of the AMA,” said AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. Both entities took responsibility for the incident and offered any/every rider and team affected $5000 for medical bills and bike damages. They also banned the substance after the EPA got involved, until further notice. Feld issued a statement regarding the event, stating, “We are currently reaching out to each rider who participated in Saturday’s race to assess the extent of the impact, ensure their welfare and get them back on their bikes racing.”
All riders were back in the saddle by this past weekend’s Minneapolis round.
For more info on AMA Supercross, click here: www.supercrosslive.com
Rob Brooks
Born To Ride Motorcycle Media