Dave thanks for  the kind words. Dakota and Paden definately have a special bond. Tell Paden that Dakota said he needs to autograph his Kosmic Kart which now looks like a pretzel! I remember that day at the track when they formed their friendship. I wish we had more time to travel and see you guys. Perhaps during Dakota’s recovery we’ll see you at the Gatorz series because there is no way I can keep Dakota from the track and I am sure he would love to spend time with Paden doing more coaching and track walks! I’ll post sometime later to let everyone know how Dakota’s surgery went. Take care.

We haven’t posted anything in a while so here is an update. The surgery went very well and Dakota now sports 6 pins in his arm. Probably coming out in the next 2-3 weeks. His spirits are great and if you’ve seen him around the track that’s because he can’t stay away and chomping at the bit to start his rehab. As soon as the pins are out he will begin physical therapy on the arm and wrist. Doc says 9 months to a year before fully recovered. We are hoping to get D back in a kart in 4 months to start practicing again and racing by April 2014. If the breaks weren’t so complex and effecting his growth plates we’d push it a bit but we want this to heal so he can make SpringNats and maybe a COA race for 2014. We’ll have to wait and see. Thanks to all of you who continually email and text D on a fast recovery. I need to get him back to racing because he is driving me nuts but I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Dakota went into surgery at 7:00pm and got out at 11:00pm. The result is very optimistic. There is still a lot of unknown at this point but it was repaired with 6 pins and no plates or rods at this time. The pins will stay in for 6-8 weeks before potentially being removed. The big issue is that both growth plates were broken off on the radius and ulna along with a gamish of parts and pieces that they pushed back in place. We won’t know for 3-4 months if the growth plates will continue to survive or arrest. One day at at time and step by step. The orthopedic surgeon still estimated a 1 year recovery but we hope to shorten that with good positive attitude and a dedicate physical therapy plan. This was better than expected and we are going with a positive attitude. A lot of you called and texted during his surgery and that helped to pass the time, thanks again!
The Dickerson’s
Dakota’s email: rotaxracer80@yahoo.com if you want to reach him.