As many of you have read stories and heard all of the rumors about my
accident at the White lighting hare scramble. I would just like to
express my thanks to anyone and all that have called to check on me and
also to say thanks for all the folks that were the hero's of the day
that came to my aid as I set fire to both my bike and myself. A very
special thanks to the young lady that quickly found a fire extinguisher
from a nearby camper and made a bad situation a lot safer for everyone
around, and also to Phil Bearden that gave up his day of fun to
transport me to the local Emergency center. As a 25+ year veteran of
racing in Setra Events, I have to say that this organization is truly a
family of members that go above and beyond when needed. I had arrived
at the event alone and just looking for a fun day of riding, and while
having a great time on my first two laps I received many blessing's
above my expectation of a normal day of racing along with learning
experience of safety that I would encourage all other's to learn from my
many mistakes for the day.
 
My first mistake for the day was to not put safety first in what I was
doing.
 I new I had to fuel up sometime for the race and I neglected to
think safety for the stop, I was only thinking of how fast I could stop
and refuel by myself.
 after all I had completed the task hundred's of times over
years.
 
I rolled into the stop with no Plan, Coming around the fast starting
area for some reason, My bike caught neutral as I rolled up to my gas
can. (That never happens on a four stroke Yamaha without the bike
turned off). Again not thinking safety but thinking only of racing
(this is a great) I can probably gain 2 seconds on my pit stop.

 
Sitting on the running bike I reached for the carefully filled 1 gallon
can that had 1/2 of a gallon of gas measured out to allow me enough gas
to finish the last two laps.
I opened the tank, and started the fill process. Spilling a small amount
as I started the pour. I continued to stay on my bike and finish adding
the fuel. after completing the fuel, I set the can down and started to
replace the gas cap. Again changing my focus to the riders that just
passed my trying to see who I had to catch back up with.
 
Then the thrill of racing was gone with a sudden flame of fumes on the
top of my bike. My first thought was to kill the bike. Quickly as I
tried to reach the start/stop switch located on my trip/time control, I
watched my Nylon jersey flame up like a dry leaf. I quickly left the
bike and started to get away. Several folks came to my aid and reminded
me to drop and roll. I was helpless and screaming for some one to help
me put the fire out that seemed to be out of control. As that occurred I
then looked over to see my bike in very large flame and people aro und it
trying to put it out. They were also successful. Alone I was helpless,
with all the folks that just jumped in to my Aid. A critical situation
was turned into a blessed day for me. My best unknown luck for the
day was the fact that I was wearing a 100% cotton t-shirt under my
Jersey that was fully damp with sweat. That shirt saved me from many
more burns as I discovered later after seeing about half of my left side
Jersey that had been flaming with fire. The only burns occurred on my
arm where I had no protection from the cotton shirt.
 
My recovery has been unbelievably easy with no pain and the only wound I
still have is the humbling fact of realizing that I put many folks in
danger at the race with my focus not being where it should be. Always
remember Safety First.
 
Thanks again. Stan Gantt