MAY 08, 2008

Kawasaki Interview with Roger

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Roger Hayden Update Interview

During the second round of the AMA Superbike Championship at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Roger Hayden was involved in a crash that has taken him off the circuit. Two and a half weeks later, Hayden took some time to give an update on his condition and thoughts on his return.

How’s it going? Want to give a little update on your injuries?

Roger Hayden: Well, I’m doing a lot better. I can get in and out of bed by myself now. I can walk a little bit, things like that. I don’t have to be in bed all day long. I am able to sit in a chair. I’ve made a lot a progress in one week, since I couldn’t even get out of bed last week without someone helping me.

And how’s your hand? How’s that healing up?

R.H.: Its better. I go in on Monday to have them uncover the bandage where they amputated my pinky. Also my ring finger where you would actually wear the ring got grounded down pretty bad too, so they are going to make sure that’s healing up alright. So it’s just a lot of little things I’m dealing with.

Overall you seem like you’re healing up pretty well.

R.H.: Yeah. Everyday it slowly gets better. It’s going to be awhile. My back and my pelvis are the injuries bothering me the most now. It’s been pretty painful in my back, but I know it just takes time. Other than that, I’ve just been bored to death. I’m trying to take it easy so I can get better as soon as I can, but it’s really tough. I’m such an active person.

So what have you been doing to pass the time?

R.H.: Well, we play Wii all the time. Olivia, (Tommy’s step daughter) has been playing with me. We play tennis, golf, baseball and bowling. Everyone has been great especially Sara (Roger’s girlfriend) and my mom.

Have you talked about when you might start therapy?

R.H.: I’m not sure when I can start therapy. I have to see what’s going on with my recovery, especially after I go see the doctor on Monday. For now, I have started walking but I still need to use a walker if I go a long distance. The doctor said toward the end of the week I could start walking up a few steps to start getting my strength back. Nothing too crazy, but its progress. I have to wear a back brace for two months. With the progress I’m making it might be less but that’s what they said.

Has anyone talked to you about coming back for the MotoGP round in Monterey?

R.H.: I want to come back for that. That’s definitely my dream and it’s obviously disappointing to have this happen when I had some stuff lined up this year. If I’m not healthy, then I can’t ride. I don’t want to show up to Laguna cold turkey. I wouldn’t want to do that in the MotoGP or AMA. So I hope I can get back before then and get to ride some because I would hate to have my first time back on a bike be at a race.

Are you going to be attending any races as a spectator?

R.H.: I’ll probably hang out at home. The last thing I want to do with the back injury is get on a plane. I would really love to be there. I miss it a lot.

Have you gotten any fan mail?

R.H.: Yeah, you know I got a lot more than I expected. There were a lot of people emailing or calling that I hadn’t talked to in a long time. I’ve gotten things in the mail from fans, which was a good surprise. The support has been really awesome.

We all hope to see you back soon!

R.H.: Thanks!

MAY 02, 2008

A Message From Roger

Hey Everyone... I figured I'd give you an update on my condition. I was able to come home from the hospital on Monday the 28th of April. I was glad to finally be heading home. I have 3 fractures in my pelvis and 3 fractures in my lower back and I also had to get my pinky on my left hand amputated. They did the best they could to save it, but in the end it wasn't possible. I would like to Thank everyone for the phone calls, text messages, emails and for all the Get Well cards I've received. It really meant a lot... I'm not sure how many races I'm going to miss, but I can't wait to get back and be with my crew at the races and back riding! Once again, Thanks for all the support... RLH

APRIL 24, 2008

Roger Update

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Hayden Undergoes a Second Successful Surgery

Irvine, Calif. (April 24, 2008) - Monster Energy Kawasaki's Roger Hayden underwent successful surgery on Thursday morning in Louisville, Ky. to repair his left pinky finger.

APRIL 20, 2008

Roger Update

During the AMA Superbike qualifying session on Saturday, Monster Energy KawasakiÕs Roger Hayden went down and was taken to the hospital for further examination. He broke his pinky finger and will require surgery to repair it. He was really sore on his left side, mostly on his hip and back. He stayed overnight at the hospital for further observation and is expected to be released on Monday.