*** Mike Norman hurt at Lake Garnett

Brian Alexander

If you've raced any amount of time in the KART/MARRS series, you should know Mike Norman. The former mayor of Garnett, and owner of the Dairy Queen in town.
I don't know exactly what happened, I didn't see it.
The short end of the story is that Mike backed his animal into a utility pole that had a hay bale in front of it just past half way thru the race right in front of the pits.

The race was red-flagged and Mike was taken to the hospital in Garnett and then Life-Flighted to Kansas City.

Those are all the details I have right now.

My best wishes go out to the Norman family tonight. You are in my prayers.

edited because i missed something.
_________________
All Arrow, all the time.
VADO DUROS VEL VADO DOMUS!
KART/MARRS TaG Sr. 1 Class Champion, two years in a row.
KART/MARRS TaG Sr. 2 Class Champion
Oh hey, Guess I won a Shifter class championship too.

Rusty Benson · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:00 pm Post subject:

mike is a great man, always smiling and laughing, his positive attitude about everything will make recovery a breeze

he is in our prayers

Sheldon Birmingham · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject:

My best wishes are with the Norman family. I look forward to better news.

Christopher Ragan · Joined: 23 Sep 2001 Posts: 1387

Many prayers for Mike and his family.
True friends.

wally wallen · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:08 pm Post subject:

When we left the track late this afternoon, his son, Brian, returned to the track and told all of us that Mike was to have surgery, tomorrow, Monday, damaged to a vertebra and they believe he can be fixed and back home within 2 weeks. He is reported to be in good spirits, wants to get the surgery done, and plans to race his kart again.
There were, as usual, all kinds of rumors about how serious he was injured, but since this come from his son, I'm pretty sure it is correct.
We will all be happy to see him back at the track, racing or not.
Wally

Bryan Norman · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 3:26 am Post subject:

Thank you guys for all your support it's amazing to know how many people my dad touched! I'm not sure the report is good as you might think, but what I can tell you at this point is he severed T12, which is what they plan on pinning just so he will be able to set up! The surgery is set for this afternoon, but there is no set time! We are not real sure on a time frame on when he will be moving out of ICU, but from some of the reports we have received from similar injuries there is a change he could begin rehab next week! Time will only tell, and I will do my best to keep everyone updated!

Was set to ride to Mid-Ohio with HE, and really didn't want to be going at a time like this when my dad needs us most! Dad has made it real clear he " wants one of those big ass trophies"! That's the way he is always wanting to make it better for someone else when he needs to be thinking about what's best for him!

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, AND PRAYERS!!!!
_________________
When it's raining I'll be drinking!!

Mike Sampson · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:39 am Post subject:

Really glad to hear your dad is going to be OK. The least you coiuld is bring back one of those big ass trophies! Good luck at M-O.

kelly Read · Joined: 19 Nov 2002 Posts: 1383

Our prayers are with Mike and his family.

Get well Mike, I want you back on the track Very Happy

There was a haybale in front of the utility pole and from where I was standing, he didn't hit it with alot of force.

Dan Davis · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:33 am Post subject:

Hey All,
I visted Mike last night in ICU. He was slowed down a bit with meds but was still himself & taking things well considering his current situation. He remains positive and strong as usual as is his entire family. I know they will deal with this setback and forge ahead.

Kelly is right, The haybail that Mike came to rest on was hardly damaged. His rear bumper was a little bent but there was no other visible damage to his kart. It was an impact that should not caused such serious injury. The turn where he spun is relatively tight and one of the slower ones on the course. To me, this incident was reminiscent of Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s with respect to the impact causing much more damage than would normally be expected.

Best Wishes to Mike and his family.

Jeffory Mott · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 10:13 am Post subject:

Bryan. My prayers are with you and your dad right now. Spinal injuries are scary. I just bought a full body armor suit and tried it out at Roebling Road last month. Even though I run a lay down it was not the least bit uncomfortable. The armor is attached to a mesh jacket that goes on before I put my driving suit on. It has full spinal protection, plus arm, shoulder, chest and rib coverage. It was designed for motorcycle racers but works well for me. It only cost me $85 on ebay. Not trying to hijack this thread as we all want your dad to be ok, just want others to know this works well for me.

Linda Baldus · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:27 pm Post subject:

Mike & I just got back from visiting Mike Norman and his family at the hospital. He should be in surgery right now.
The prognosis is not good with the best being Mike in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, but typical Mike, he was making a joke at every opportunity. Of course, that may have been from the morphine pump.
Anyone wanting to visit, he is @ Overland Park Regional there at I-35 & Quivira. Cards can be sent to 41 Lakeshore Dr., Garnett, KS 66032.
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Keep on kartin' llb.
lindabaldus@hotmail.com

Chris L Larson · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 121

Bryan,
Please tell your dad that we are all praying for him. Everyone in the karting community is really pulling for you guys.
This incident has really been on my mind the last two days. When something like this happens, it reminds you how fragile we really are. From what I understand, Mike has had life threatening health challenges before and he has fought through them. I am sure that with his determination, this will be another battle that he will fight and win.

Jeffory,
Can you send a manufactures link of the body armor? That is a good idea. I noticed Justin Taylor was wearing one from Sparco that looked good (some of you may recall he broke his ribs last year when he bounced & landed on the edge of his seat).

Chris Larson

Bryan Norman · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:49 pm Post subject:

Thank you all again for you love and support. He is officialy in surgery and should be in there for 3-4 hours!

THANK YOU AGAIN!! THE KARTING COMMUNITY IS REALLY AMAZING AND WE LOVE YOU ALL!! Crying or Very sad

_________________
When it's raining I'll be drinking!!

Bryan Norman · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

I just got off the phone with my mom, who just talked to the surgeon, Dr. Beatty. He said that the spinal column was basicaly split in half and he could move the spine around like a dish rag. He went on to say that it appeared to be a clean break, so when he went to reattach the spine it basicaly snaped together. He then proceeded to put pins into a plate for structure. He should be returning to his room around 6:15-6:30 and you know he always welcomes visitors. I will do my best to keep you updated as I hear more.

Thanks again for all your support and prayers!!!!
_________________
When it's raining I'll be drinking!!

Bryan Norman · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 4:06 am Post subject:

Dad had a hard time waking up from surgery for I guess they really put him under! They released him from surgery around 5:30-6, but he didn't return to his room until like 8. I was there until 10:30 and he was still basically asleep. We were concerned with the pace of his breaths so we tried to get him up for a while to get his breaths back to speed. I know the whole time we kept asking him questions or tried to wake him he was waking up as his usual self for he continues to be the joke stir. He is still in very good spirits, and ready to move forward with the upcoming steps. We couldn't even get him to wake up and he was already wanted us to set him up, but it was a bit early for that!
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When it's raining I'll be drinking!!