Rob Hartog had envisioned the start of the season differently. Last year’s IDM Superbike third-place finisher kicked off practice for the 24-hour endurance classic at Le Mans this weekend with great enthusiasm. But just as quickly as it had begun, his new venture into endurance racing was over. On the Tuesday before the race, the Yamaha rider hit an oil spill. He was initially able to keep the bike upright but crashed into the gravel trap. The 31-year-old Dutchman fractured his second cervical vertebra and his left shoulder blade.
With the IDM season opener at the Sachsenring just around the corner in early May, Hartog finds himself in a tricky situation. Last year, he was one of only three riders to finish every race and score points. He’s a rider who should be in the title hunt. Will he even be able to race now? We checked in to see how Rob Hartog is doing.
How are you doing? Are you in pain?
I’m doing pretty well. The pain isn’t too bad—just a bit of a headache—but overall, I’m okay.
What do the doctors say?
Back in the Netherlands, I went to the hospital to get a second opinion. The doctors weren’t too concerned about my neck, which is very positive. My shoulder blade is in a good position, so it should heal on its own. And they noticed a small fracture in my forearm/wrist, but that’s in my left arm, which is out of commission anyway.
Do you need surgery?
No, it should heal on its own with rest, so surgery won't be necessary.
Is your IDM participation in jeopardy?
The first IDM race is in three and a half weeks, which is usually a bit too early for me. The second event three weeks later should be doable.