Luca Grünwald will not be competing in the IDM Supersport 600 at the German Speedweek in Oschersleben this coming weekend either. The 24-year-old star rider of the Kawasaki Schnock Team Motorex has had to throw all his plans out the window. The Waldkraiburg native’s recovery time following his testing accident shortly before the season opener 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 broke his 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 visible. There are three compressed vertebrae. When they’re compressed, they can fracture, causing the spine to become unstable. All of this has prolonged the healing process; six weeks of rest are mandatory.
What are the chances we’ll see you racing at the third IDM round in Zolder starting June 21, 2019?
I can’t put a percentage on the likelihood. I’m supposed to—and allowed to—start moving around now, and I’m doing a lot of physical therapy. But nothing can happen that would put pressure on my vertebrae.
Are you the face of the Kawasaki Schnock Team Motorex? Does that put pressure on you? Do you overthink things a lot?
I'm sorry I haven't been able to race yet. But I don't overthink things. I can only hope to come back 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 at the front in every race. 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 kilometers.
You’re 24 years old and have experienced 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.