Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Michael Hannas

Former WSMC 125cc GP Champion Kevin Murray has returned to racing after suffering life-threatening injuries during a dirt bike accident almost a year and a half ago. Murray raced his Yamaha TZ125 in the WERA 125cc Grand Prix final Saturday at Road Atlanta, marking his first race back since his injury. Murray finished 13th in the race, one lap behind winner Brian Kcraget, but had a good time in his return to racing.

“I just wanted to drive home on I-20 West without a crashed bike!” said Murray. “I felt pretty good out there, my balance is still a little messed up, so I just took it real easy. I was doing a little R&D, tried a longer rod which worked out really well; the thing was like a four-stroke Single it was so torquey. I was just really timid out there. My goal was to survive. I mean, I was on life support 16 months ago, which was actually like a vacation. I didn’t even have to breathe. This is more work, but it’s also more fun.”

Murray wasn’t specific about his future plans, but did say he was planning on getting another 250 sometime soon. He definitely still plans on racing though, saying “Yeah, you know me, I’ll probably be racing 125s till I’m 120 years old!”