Ken Johnson

Robert Gush · Joined: 07 Feb 2002 Posts: 50

Hi,

I heard Ken was injured an a car accident in Portugal at the finals.

Any news on how he is doing?

Regards
Robert

Michael R Johnson · Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2006 11:11 pm Post subject: K.J.

This is news to me.

Was there anyone in Portugal paying attention to what was going on around them?

I hope Ken Johnson is okay.

Robert Gush · Joined: 07 Feb 2002 Posts: 50

A short extract from www.kart.co.za
I heard that Ken broke some ribs - Regards Robert

Steve WICKS and an American journalist, Ken JOHNSON, were lucky to survive a serious car accident on Sunday morning, 19 November 2006 after the ROTAX World Final in Portugal.
Steve has been a motor racing enthusiast all his life and has a particular passion for karting. He has followed the ROTAX MAX Challenge around the world in recent years as well as always covering regional and national kart racing in his SA Racer and other publications.

Erik Kullenberg · Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 8:02 pm Post subject:

I spoke to Kayla tonight. Ken (and Kayla) have been through quite the ordeal. Ken has been in ICU for over a week with very serious wounds to his lungs. I don't know the full extent of it, but it is far more serious than first thought.

Kayla said that they will be bringing Ken out of sedation very soon, but he will be unable to return to the States for about 3-4 weeks. Kayla mentioned that she will have to return soon to take care of some things back home and then return to Portugal.

I asked her to let me know if there is anything she needed. It was midnight (portugal time) and she sounded tired and very overwhelmed. She didn't mention needing anything, but I think some of us should pool some money together for Kayla. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that round-trip airline tickets to/from Portugal will add up in a hurry.

Call me at 972-434-5278 if you think you can help them. Otherwise, please put both Ken and Kayla in your prayers and wishes for what will no-doubt be a very odd Christmas season for them.

On a brighter side, she did mention the gentleman who is the Portuguese Rotax importer has been a lifesaver, helping her get through this mess.
_________________
Erik Kullenberg
http://erikkullenberg.com

Jordon Musser · Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 11:55 pm Post subject:

Thoughts are with you Ken!

Michael R Johnson · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 12:31 am Post subject: thanks Erik

Thanks for the update Erik,

Ken, Get well!

John Savage · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 6:23 am Post subject:

Erik

Check your emails

Best Regards

John
_________________
Dellorto, Mikuni and Keihin Jetting & Kart Set-up Software

www.rotaxjetting.com www.kartsetupsoftware.com

Nik de Jong · Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 8

Hi guys,

I was in the car with Ken and Steve when the accident happened. I can't remember anything of it. I think I was sleeping when it happened (was awake for 43 hours) and woke up at 11 in the morning in the hospital.

What I do know is that the car was a ugly red Renault Clio, the road was wet, Ken was driving (he didn't drink at the party!) and I believe I was in the back with Steve (not wearing a seat belt). The accident was not at the highway and the car flipped over multiple times (the police told me)! The fire fighters had the cut off the roof of the Renault, which took them more than 1,5 hours!

The ambulance brought us to the local hospital, but Ken & Steve were soon taken to a specialized one in Porto. I could stay.

I woke up in the hospital and the only thing I could think about was my flight! I tried to get out of the bed and then I felt the pain grrrr. Whiplash, pain in my brain (don't know the English word for it), a lot of wounds and a painful shoulder and pools. My phone & wallett were gone, even as my baggage that was in the trunk of the ugly red Clio. All my friends were in the plain that was about the take off and the assistant told me I had a car accident and Ken & Steve were still in danger!!!

In a few hours Mr. Korridas and the Dutch Distributor came in the room and took me back to the hotel. Painful trip in the car! I slept for two days in the hotel because I couldn't move. Then… painful flight!

Now, more than one week later, things are getting better and I can walk around through the house, and just made my first ride in my car. Ken & Steve are much worse off. I’m very curious about their status and how the accident happened. If anybody has got information: post it or send me an email (nik@kartimage.nl).

Hope to see a post from Ken soon, we still have to go to Amsterdam!!

Greets,

Nik de Jong
Dutch Photographer

(By the way, the police had my equipment: everything is destroied. Laptop, camera, lens, memory cards...)
_________________
http://www.rotax-max.com

Mike Melton · Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Posts: 42

Our thought and prayers are with you Ken and Kayla!!!!

Mike, Margaret, Justin and Michelle

Debbie Kuntze · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 3:10 pm Post subject:

My goodness! I hope everyone of you mend soon and fully! Shocked

I will be looking for updates.

If anyone can let me know where a pool is being kept so I can send my check, please give me an address.
_________________
Debbie Kuntze
kart9899@aol.com
www.uskgp.com

Erik Kullenberg · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 4:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks Debbie,

If anyone is going to send money, please do not send cash. Send a check (payable to Kayla or Ken Johnson) to my shop address. I'll make sure Kayla gets it when she gets back. Address the envelope to her and she'll be the one that opens it.

Go Faster Karting
Attn: Kayla Johnson
1702 S. State Highway 121
Suite 502
Lewisville, TX 75067 USA

Like I said, she hasn't asked for anything, but they're going to need our help to get through this.
_________________
Erik Kullenberg
http://erikkullenberg.com

David Bauder · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 4:32 pm Post subject:

Erik,
Thank you for posting the address.

Ken, Kayla and all involed, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

David and Karen
_________________
David Bauder
TaG-Enduro #8
www.tag-enduro.com

Jim Holland · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 6:43 pm Post subject:

Ken,
Get well soon buddy. You provided David and my family some of the best pictures we could have dreamed of from the W/F last year. Memories we will have for a life time thanks to your skills and passion for the sport of karting we all love.

We pray for your quick recovery and return to your family.

Jim and David Holland

Erik - check your mail very soon -

Rhonda Mims-Brown · Joined: 09 Aug 2001 Posts: 538

I got an email from Ken's wife, Kayla yesterday and she' hanging in there. Ken is still hooked up to a ventilator in ICE and his lungs are badly damanged. They are keeping him doped up but were going to try and wake him up this morning and he's probably going to be a monster when he wakes.

Thanks Nik for more details on the accident as she didn't expand on that at all. I am so glad you made it back home and hate this has happened. DO you know anymore about Steve? Kayla left me a phone message on Saturday, the 25th before she jumped on the plane and told me about the accident. This is the first time I knew anything had happenend (almost a week later) and I consider them both to be very good friends. I am just so shocked that few people even knew it happened.

She said they are going to keep him for another 3 weeks and she was planning to come back on December 3rd but will now stay longer. That's all I know for now. They do have a good hospitalization plan but funds to help with expensives I'm sure would be helpful

Rhonda Mims-Brown · Joined: 09 Aug 2001 Posts: 538

I just got another email from Kayla right after my last post.

Ken has pneumonia now so they are now going to keep him on pain meds another 10 to 12 days while he's fighting the infection. I am taking this as a turn for the worse as his lungs are so weak.

Kayla is mentally worn and may come home for a few days now.

Please keep both of them in your prayers.