WSB: Bayliss Loses Finger

Posted by Matt Finley Apr 3, 2007

The former Ducati MotoGP rider, Troy Bayliss, had to have his finger removed after crashing out of round four of the World Superbike Competition in Britain's Donington Park. After what appeared to be a high-side and then a slide into the gravel, he was rushed to the hospital where doctors removed what was left of his right-hand little finger, where most of the bone was damaged or lost in the crash.

Julian Thomas, Ducati Press Officer, stated that Bayliss had "a nasty crash, but he'll be back". If his history is any indication, his return is very likely. The small finger is not typically used for racing motorcycles, so the ability to adapt should be possible without any modifications to the motorcycle.

Bayliss is not new to serious injury, either. The Australian suffered a badly broken arm racing the Camel Honda MotoGP team of Sito Pons towards the end of the 2005 MotoGP season, causing him to miss the final few races.

After recovering from that, Bayliss went on to win the World Superbike Championship last year, while competing in the last MotoGP round at Valencia, which he won.