I had a problem with my knee last week that put me off work (I am a heavy duty diesel truck mechanic). I got the results from the MRI today, torn miniscus in my left knee, surgry the only option. Work will not let me return to work until I have been released by the doctor to 100% status, no "light duty". (I am on short term disability). The earliest that I can get scheduled for surgry is 2 weeks. I can now walk with out my crutches for a short while. I haven't taken ANY pain meds since sunday night and will not if I race.
I ask the Dr. about drag racing, and after quizing me about it, said that he didn't have a problem with it, the damage had already been done, and as long as I could stand the discomfort, and not jepordise my fellow competitors, he didn't see an issue.
I will have help in the pits and with the loading and unloading and a golf cart to ride where I need to go.
So, to other racers, what would you do? Race or not? And would you welcome me as a competitor, or be on edge about me being beside you?

Thanks in advance,

ABSOLUTLY!!!Especially if you use a manual trans

Doc said you can... so go for it... it'll be a while
before you can again

I would trust your decision. Only you know what you can do and I'm sure you wouldn't put your oun Butt in danger.

as a truck mechanic too i also tore same thing but did it playing soccer still worked until surgery you be fine racing just dont overuse it in pits good luck feel your pain

getting in the car if you dont have a swing out bar mite be an issue and your employer could get lol

Brian good-luck with your operation and I hope all goes well. I tore my Meniscus years ago climbing off a gear case. I didn't report it as a work related injury because of the hassles we go through for comp injuries. It has since been operated on three times and hurts everyday of my life. It helps being retired and not having to do the heavy lifting and climbing or I probably would have to be cut open again. I can't tell you how many cortisone shots they have tried. They even tried the injection shots that are made from a chicken comb and very expensive. I did Millwright work and I see you are in heavy equipment repair so don't rush your recovery and go to the needed therapy. If you get a chance and fill up to it GOOOO RACING.

Which knee?

I'd race.

Is this some sort of trick question???.... Dude! Go racing!

Had mine done last year. Raced up to the surgery and was racing again 2 weeks after the surgery. It still bothers me today but not near as bad as before I had it worked on.

If your head is clear and you can get your mind in race mode go for it.

KEY WORDS Short term disability / Can't work / Needs operation. Stay home and fix your knee and get back to work then play with the car. We have guys that race every weekend at the dirt track that are on disability and supposly can't work. I love it I work in pain every day and can't race every weekend because I CAN NOT AFFORD TO RACE!!!I was brought up to understand that you work first then play and if you are to sick or to hurt you stay home and get fixed.Do you understand that disability is paying you to stay home and to get healthy and not go to a race where there may be a chance to injure the knee worst?

I think you should be fine...if it starts to bother you then you can always pack it in.

I wouldnt be telling anyone that you work with, about racing in the future...especially if you are workman's comp...and if this was a work related injury, you are entitled to compensation which means, they can bring it up that you were able to race but you didnt want to come back to work...forget about what the Doctor says...hes not a lawyer...


I've been there and done that and know the outcome to these things...you do what YOU feel...just watch who's snapping those pictures of you...

I`d go for it..............may even take your mind off of the pain for a while.

I guess the key question that no-one is asking but jumping in the puddle of crap with both feet is.....Is this an on the job injury? Are you on workmans comp or is the employer simply CTA by not letting you work.

I had a torn miscous myself. Probably a long term walking around RR tracks but it was done at the track. I try to be honest and straight up so I gave the RR the benefit of doubt and noted when the injury was first noticed. They told me not to work and put me on short term dissability. Many don't understand this it is the employer CTA not the person wanting to sit back and draw a check. I went racing while off. The extra heat from the driving pants did wonders for my knee. I told the surgeon and he said absolutely heat was good as long as I did not twist my knee getting in the car. Heck they told me to ride a bicycle everyday leading up to surgery.

If you are on a work related injury you will just have to weigh the odds yourself. If it was not work related I would race. Laying up waiting on surgery sucks. Racing is good for ya. And if you wear the two layer pants they made my knee feel great.

Leon

I don't have any experience in this, so take it for what it is worth (or not).

Get the doctor's position in writing:
1) Not cleared for your particular job, even light duty
2) Cleared for driving, including drag racing.

I would be concerned from a legal stand point about collecting disability and doing anything that "appears" like you are not injured.

From another racer's standpoint, as long as it isn't the leg you need for operating the pedals (brake, gas, clutch?); I don't have any worry about you. Only you can answer if you feel capable of getting in and out of the car in an emergency.