Luca Grünwald will not be competing in the IDM Supersport 600 class at this coming weekend’s German Speedweek in Oschersleben either. The 24-year-old star rider of the Kawasaki Schnock Team Motorex has had to scrap all his plans. Following his crash during testing shortly before the season opener, the Waldkraiburg native’s recovery is taking longer than originally expected.
Grünwald broke three lumbar vertebrae in a highside crash at Oschersleben on the first weekend in May. He also suffered a bruised lung and a broken nose. Despite this, Grünwald even considered competing in the season opener. The doctors did not give him the green light, not even now for Oschersleben. What happened?
Five Questions for Luca Grünwald.
It’s been almost three weeks since the season opener. What’s preventing you from returning to Oschersleben now?
I’ve had to undergo several more medical examinations. Additional injuries were discovered that weren’t immediately apparent. There are three compressed vertebrae. If they’re compressed, they can fracture and the spine becomes unstable. This has prolonged the healing process; six weeks of rest are mandatory.
What are the chances of seeing you race at the third round of the IDM in Zolder starting June 21, 2019?
I can’t put a percentage on it. I’m supposed to and am allowed to start moving around now, and I’m doing a lot of physical therapy. But I have to be careful not to do anything that could put pressure on my vertebrae.
Are you the face of the Kawasaki Schnock Team Motorex? Does that put pressure on you? Do you worry a lot?
I’m sorry I haven’t been able to race yet. But I don’t worry about it. I can only hope to make a comeback with good results. That’s the best I can do.
The title race is out of reach for you. What’s your goal now?
To finish every race up front. But first I need to see where I stand. The pre-season tests weren’t perfect, and now, of course, I’m missing out on extra practice and race miles.
You’re 24 years old and have had your ups and downs. Where do you see yourself in three years, if it were up to you?
By then, I’d be a pro and could focus entirely on racing. But I don’t know of—or believe that—any competitor in the IDM Supersport 600 has that kind of status.