Roberts Hurt In Japan

ROBERTS HURT IN JAPAN

Kenny Roberts crashed while testing the 1979 YZR500 Yamaha in Japan in mid February and was injured. According to Yamaha Racing Manager Ken Clark, Roberts lost the front wheel in a fast right-hander at the Yamaha test track near Iwata. Japan. spun out and slammed into a guard rail. Roberts broke his 12th vertabra and suffered a compression between the 12th and 13th vertabrae. Doctors operated two days after the crash to repair damage to Roberts' spleen. which required several stitches to control bleeding. Roberts would remain hospitalized in Japan for three weeks, then fly home for recuperation.>

Clark said that while Roberts would miss Daytona and the first 500cc Grand Prix, it was expected that he would be ready to race again in time for the Austrian Grand Prix, the second round of the World Championship series. The accident and injuries dealt a severe blow' to Robert^’ plans to defend his 500cc World Championship title. *