What happened to Gareth Swanepoel at Houston ?

Swanepoel, inked a deal with the factory supported DNA Shred Stix Star Racing Yamaha's Bobby Regan late last year, after prematurely leaving the GP series to contest the last 3 rounds of the AMA Motocross series. 'Swanie’s' strong performances secured the 25-year-old a seat on the Yamaha 250F and he has adapted to Supercross extremely well after almost 10 years on the FIM Motocross World Championship circuit.

"I really enjoy riding Supercross and I’m surprised how well I have adapted to it” admitted Swanepoel. "I have raced all the major supercross races in Europe like Bercy, Dortmund, Sheffield and did well so have always wanted to race in the USA and try my hand at Supercross."

At Houston he qualified fastest in both his group qualification sessions, he looked determined to mix it up with a talented pool of American racers. ‘Swanie’s’ night was cut short when he crashed in the whoops with one and a half laps to go, while in a qualifying position in his heat race.

The crash was minor however Swanepoel was hit directly by another rider who could not avoid him and the impact was quite severe also fracturing several ‘process bones’ which form part of the vertabra.

"Luckily the injury is not as bad as it sounds and the Doc says I should be cleared to ride after another check up in four weeks. The T12 compression was very slight so no worries there and the little ‘process wings’ should grow back. Watching the video, it was a stupid crash but Bagget unfortunately had committed in the whoops and had nowhere to go and hit me square on. Even watching it now it knocks the wind out of me. I really enjoy riding Supercross and can’t wait to get back on the track again. Injuries are a part of our sport so my focus will be to get healthy and ready to race.” vowed the optimistic South African.

Photo courtesy of Simon Cudby/DNA Shred Stix Star Racing Yamaha