SPEEDWAYWIGHTLINK Islanders’ teenage speedway rider Brendan Johnson is continuing to make an excellent recovery from the high-speed crash which almost killed him a fortnight ago.
Johnson, 17, was in a critical condition at Southampton General Hospital after the crash at Smallbrook Stadium but he is now recovering at the family home in Poole, Dorset, and is already talking about making his Islanders’ comeback.
"I cannot wait to be back racing," he said. "But I’ll take heed of what the experts say and leave it to next year."
Johnson remembers nothing of the crash but has seen it on DVD.
He described it as just another speedway crash, but added: "The problem was the way I landed but, thankfully, I was wearing a neck brace and that obviously lessened the effects on me."
Parents Dave and Jan cannot thank the medics who helped their son enough, and say they will back him all the way in his determination to return to the sport he loves.
Dave said: "It would be pointless us even thinking of suggesting he quit now, even though we might both prefer him to take up bowls or something like that."
At the time of going to press, Johnson was due to visit Smallbrook Stadium last night (Thursday), for the Islanders’ National Trophy match against Weymouth Wildcats. He was also due to visit St Mary’s Hospital to thank the medical staff who assisted him on the Island before his transfer to Southampton.