Oak Hill crash update from 9/23/07

For those of you who do not know Tom Beesley from Ft Worth was severly injured yesterday at Oak Hill and Careflighted to St. Thomas Hospital in Tyler. After getting an MRI and a CT scan the doctors say he has 6 broken vertebrae in his upper neck area. He layed unconscious from the time he crashed until sometime late last night and he is not breathing on his own still. As the prognosis' continue to get better Tom is in no way in the clear yet. I would also like to thank the people there that help me get his son's (Jared) truck and trail loaded w/ all of the gear and the bikes. THANK YOU!!!! Wether you know Tom and his family or not I would appreciate it if you could put him and his family in your thoughts and even prayers. I also do not know if Jared wanted me to post this, but so many people were concerned I just wanted to let you all know.

For those of you who do not know Tom Beesley from Ft Worth was severly injured yesterday at Oak Hill and Careflighted to St. Thomas Hospital in Tyler. After getting an MRI and a CT scan the doctors say he has 6 broken vertebrae in his upper neck area. He layed unconscious from the time he crashed until sometime late last night and he is not breathing on his own still. As the prognosis' continue to get better Tom is in no way in the clear yet. I would also like to thank the people there that help me get his son's (Jared) truck and trail loaded w/ all of the gear and the bikes. THANK YOU!!!! Wether you know Tom and his family or not I would appreciate it if you could put him and his family in your thoughts and even prayers. I also do not know if Jared wanted me to post this, but so many people were concerned I just wanted to let you all know.

Sorry to hear the bad news, keep us posted. Was it wet yesterday? A few of us were thinking of coming out, but backed out after the forecast said 50% rain.

Sorry to hear the bad news, keep us posted. Was it wet yesterday? A few of us were thinking of coming out, but backed out after the forecast said 50% rain.

I've been trying to get a hold of family at the hospital, but I always just miss them. He was in front of me and midway through T1 when I was coming out of T8. I didn't see him go down but it was sure odd how the bike was situated after the accident. All damage was on the right side and the left clip on was broke and bent downward at the clamp. He hadn't been riding very hard at the time of the accident, I kind of wonder if the cause wasn't mechanical.

Prayers sent to Tom and family from the Meador family. May the lord help see y'all through these trying times.

Please keep us posted on how he's doing.

Don

I've been trying to get a hold of family at the hospital, but I always just miss them. He was in front of me and midway through T1 when I was coming out of T8. I didn't see him go down but it was sure odd how the bike was situated after the accident. All damage was on the right side and the left clip on was broke and bent downward at the clamp. He hadn't been riding very hard at the time of the accident, I kind of wonder if the cause wasn't mechanical.

Prayers sent to Tom and family from the Meador family. May the lord help see y'all through these trying times.

Please keep us posted on how he's doing.

Don

sorry to hear about this, i hope he continues to improve. Sounds like a really bad crash, do you know what happened? I heard the track was slick from the karts. He will be in my thoughts!

sorry to hear about this, i hope he continues to improve. Sounds like a really bad crash, do you know what happened? I heard the track was slick from the karts. He will be in my thoughts!

...damn i was almost going to go also that day but the weather kept me away. ill keep him in my prayers.

...damn i was almost going to go also that day but the weather kept me away. ill keep him in my prayers.

oh no... please get better..

oh no... please get better..

If there is anything I can do please call me...

512.663.4223

If there is anything I can do please call me...

512.663.4223

Tom, my prayers are with you and your family, i pray you will get well soon. I was at Oak hill this past sat. and thank God all went well , a few people went down at turn 3 and turn 6 but all were uneventful meaning no injuries. Hang in there and hope to see you back out on the track. God bless.

Tom, my prayers are with you and your family, i pray you will get well soon. I was at Oak hill this past sat. and thank God all went well , a few people went down at turn 3 and turn 6 but all were uneventful meaning no injuries. Hang in there and hope to see you back out on the track. God bless.

From what Jared told me, it seems he ran off the track in 1 and hit maybe a the creek bed or ditch between 1 and 2 at maybe 40-60 mph, flipped and landed on his head.

Soap Box Premise: This is my personal opinion, so take it or leave it.

Just a question, and I dont want to start a huge deal which is probably going to happen, but why would any of you take a chance riding at any track with out EMS on site? No one knows if this would have helped or hindered this situation, but I know that there is no ambulance on site at OH during these track sessions.

Maybe you have heard a couple of these. No. 1 arguement, they only ride 80% during these track days, whatever. 80% would be 15 seconds slower a lap based on a 1:22 lap time, is that how everone rides during these track days? No. 2nd arguement, if you can go fast at OH, you can go fast anywhere. This is a true statement because not only are you roadracing you are honing your motocross, flat tracking, and eduro skills with its technical, bumpy, and inconsitistent traction level, and scary run off sections. No. 3 argument, OH is really a Kart Track, which is an excuse that I have heard at least 20 times, for the reason it is what it is. No. 4 argument, it only costs $75 bucks for all day....Wow, it sounds like a lot of fun, but how can we address some of these issues?

There has been alot of discussion about track safety regarding OH, NPR, TWS, MSR Houston, what is really safe, which one is safer, how safe can any place you race at really be? Here is my reccomendation, the riders/BOD need to get togther and elect a safety board, of experienced/national level riders to review these tracks and make sure that everything is in place to minimilize the extra risk versus reward, and make sure that these tracks are safe to race on, much like the AMA does.

I have raced at some of the most dangerous and exillarating tracks around, Loudon, Sears Point, Phoenix Internationl, Firebird, Las Vegas old, Las Vegas New, Brainerd, Pomona, Willow Springs, Streets of Willow, Button Willow, Jennings, Mororso, Homestead, Second Creek, Pueblo, Longmont, Laguna Seca, Robeling Road, Road Atlanta, Daytona, Gateway, Elkhart Lake, Hallet, Mid Ohio, Colorado Srings, VIR, Barber, MSR, Misano, Mugello, and on and on, and as you may know the AMA have now lately (the past 7 years or so) started listening to what the riders say, instead of their previous stand was race or leave. This has prompted tracks to make changes regarding safety or else they just wont race there.

A good freind of mine Aaron lanningham, crashed in 2B at loudon right behind me in 1994 and is paralyzed now. In 1995 I crashed chasing Mat Mladin in qualifing (what was I thinking) in the same spot, but "luckily" the bike pummeled me into the ground fracturing my pelvis and landed on top of me grinding me into the tarmac, keeping me from hitting the same wall that broke Aaron's back. Stupid me I was back at Loudon again in 2000 where I was 3rd fasted in Pro Thunder on Sunday before the race when it starts to rain. What happened next?? Boycott. We didnt ride, nor did the Superbike guys. This was extreme, but eventhough they ran the "no points" race anyway, and I probably could have won the national, I didnt race. The risk was big, reward small.

Now is the time to start planning ahead for 2008, and thinking about what can be done in conjunction with what is already being done by the BOD, Walter, and Nancy to make sure we can get safety addressed prior to next season. If the tracks wont make changes then maybe we dont need to race there. If they don't have a budget for it, find the money. 170hp bikes should be on slicks, slower bikes should not grid ahead of faster ones, etc. etc. change the rules... Just like turn 8 at TWS, how many other people have to get paralyzed or killed racing on sub standard tracks, in sub standard situations, when smart people can make decisions to fix these things. This could have been you or your dad or your friend that ran off the track at 40mph thinking everything is ok, and next thing you know you are fubar.

Think about!
D

From what Jared told me, it seems he ran off the track in 1 and hit maybe a the creek bed or ditch between 1 and 2 at maybe 40-60 mph, flipped and landed on his head.

Soap Box Premise: This is my personal opinion, so take it or leave it.

Just a question, and I dont want to start a huge deal which is probably going to happen, but why would any of you take a chance riding at any track with out EMS on site? No one knows if this would have helped or hindered this situation, but I know that there is no ambulance on site at OH during these track sessions.

Maybe you have heard a couple of these. No. 1 arguement, they only ride 80% during these track days, whatever. 80% would be 15 seconds slower a lap based on a 1:22 lap time, is that how everone rides during these track days? No. 2nd arguement, if you can go fast at OH, you can go fast anywhere. This is a true statement because not only are you roadracing you are honing your motocross, flat tracking, and eduro skills with its technical, bumpy, and inconsitistent traction level, and scary run off sections. No. 3 argument, OH is really a Kart Track, which is an excuse that I have heard at least 20 times, for the reason it is what it is. No. 4 argument, it only costs $75 bucks for all day....Wow, it sounds like a lot of fun, but how can we address some of these issues?

There has been alot of discussion about track safety regarding OH, NPR, TWS, MSR Houston, what is really safe, which one is safer, how safe can any place you race at really be? Here is my reccomendation, the riders/BOD need to get togther and elect a safety board, of experienced/national level riders to review these tracks and make sure that everything is in place to minimilize the extra risk versus reward, and make sure that these tracks are safe to race on, much like the AMA does.

I have raced at some of the most dangerous and exillarating tracks around, Loudon, Sears Point, Phoenix Internationl, Firebird, Las Vegas old, Las Vegas New, Brainerd, Pomona, Willow Springs, Streets of Willow, Button Willow, Jennings, Mororso, Homestead, Second Creek, Pueblo, Longmont, Laguna Seca, Robeling Road, Road Atlanta, Daytona, Gateway, Elkhart Lake, Hallet, Mid Ohio, Colorado Srings, VIR, Barber, MSR, Misano, Mugello, and on and on, and as you may know the AMA have now lately (the past 7 years or so) started listening to what the riders say, instead of their previous stand was race or leave. This has prompted tracks to make changes regarding safety or else they just wont race there.

A good freind of mine Aaron lanningham, crashed in 2B at loudon right behind me in 1994 and is paralyzed now. In 1995 I crashed chasing Mat Mladin in qualifing (what was I thinking) in the same spot, but "luckily" the bike pummeled me into the ground fracturing my pelvis and landed on top of me grinding me into the tarmac, keeping me from hitting the same wall that broke Aaron's back. Stupid me I was back at Loudon again in 2000 where I was 3rd fasted in Pro Thunder on Sunday before the race when it starts to rain. What happened next?? Boycott. We didnt ride, nor did the Superbike guys. This was extreme, but eventhough they ran the "no points" race anyway, and I probably could have won the national, I didnt race. The risk was big, reward small.

Now is the time to start planning ahead for 2008, and thinking about what can be done in conjunction with what is already being done by the BOD, Walter, and Nancy to make sure we can get safety addressed prior to next season. If the tracks wont make changes then maybe we dont need to race there. If they don't have a budget for it, find the money. 170hp bikes should be on slicks, slower bikes should not grid ahead of faster ones, etc. etc. change the rules... Just like turn 8 at TWS, how many other people have to get paralyzed or killed racing on sub standard tracks, in sub standard situations, when smart people can make decisions to fix these things. This could have been you or your dad or your friend that ran off the track at 40mph thinking everything is ok, and next thing you know you are fubar.

Think about!
D

Just spoke w/ Jared again this morning. His father is in the same status he was in last night. One of the friends of the family is out there today and will be able to further understand the Dr.'s diagnostics today. We are wishing the best for you and your family Tom. As for David Roy I think he has a very valid point about EMS being on site. Although everything happened so fast Jared and I estimated that help was there in about 15 minutes. Help would have been 15 seconds away if medical help was already there. It would be safe more me to say that I will never ride on the track again w/out EMS there. If anything I would like for people to learn from the situation we have been put in. Tom we want you home again soon so you can take some more of those awesome pictures we have seen in the past. We still do not know exactly what caused the wreck, but upon speculation only I do believe that it was something mechanical that caused this to happen. Jared has already had many calls from people from all over the place concerned about his father. He is remaining strong, but really wants to know what to expect as to his dad's outcome. As for Tom he has many family members staying just across the street and seeing him as often as the medical staff will allow. I do not know if there is anything that they (the family) needs at this time other than A TON OF MORAL SUPPORT. will keep all posted as i get info. thank you

Just spoke w/ Jared again this morning. His father is in the same status he was in last night. One of the friends of the family is out there today and will be able to further understand the Dr.'s diagnostics today. We are wishing the best for you and your family Tom. As for David Roy I think he has a very valid point about EMS being on site. Although everything happened so fast Jared and I estimated that help was there in about 15 minutes. Help would have been 15 seconds away if medical help was already there. It would be safe more me to say that I will never ride on the track again w/out EMS there. If anything I would like for people to learn from the situation we have been put in. Tom we want you home again soon so you can take some more of those awesome pictures we have seen in the past. We still do not know exactly what caused the wreck, but upon speculation only I do believe that it was something mechanical that caused this to happen. Jared has already had many calls from people from all over the place concerned about his father. He is remaining strong, but really wants to know what to expect as to his dad's outcome. As for Tom he has many family members staying just across the street and seeing him as often as the medical staff will allow. I do not know if there is anything that they (the family) needs at this time other than A TON OF MORAL SUPPORT. will keep all posted as i get info. thank you

Thanks for the update, Torrey.

For those who would like to send a card or note of encouragement, do you have a home address for Tom or his family?

Thanks for the update, Torrey.

For those who would like to send a card or note of encouragement, do you have a home address for Tom or his family?

Nancy thanks for asking. Jared's address 9425 Rolater Rd, #1124 Frisco TX, 75035. Sylvia and Tom's address 801 Dale Lane #103 Ft Worth TX, 76108

Nancy thanks for asking. Jared's address 9425 Rolater Rd, #1124 Frisco TX, 75035. Sylvia and Tom's address 801 Dale Lane #103 Ft Worth TX, 76108

Sorry. They are in St. Francis Hosptial in Tyler TX for those who wanted to know

Sorry. They are in St. Francis Hosptial in Tyler TX for those who wanted to know

I have run off the track in turn one before... it is pretty knarly terrain, and yes there is a dip/small ravine before you get to the trees which come up pretty fast depending where you go off track. I believe Troy Fuller ran off there in 2006 and banged himself up pretty bad. Sorry to hear about this, I hope Tom makes a full and quick recovery.

I have run off the track in turn one before... it is pretty knarly terrain, and yes there is a dip/small ravine before you get to the trees which come up pretty fast depending where you go off track. I believe Troy Fuller ran off there in 2006 and banged himself up pretty bad. Sorry to hear about this, I hope Tom makes a full and quick recovery.

my prayers are with Tom and his family as well.

changes my whole perspective about riding at Oak Hill without cornerworkers or on-site EMS now.

my prayers are with Tom and his family as well.

changes my whole perspective about riding at Oak Hill without cornerworkers or on-site EMS now.

I am sorry but I can't picture this guy what was his number?

ps get well soon.

I am sorry but I can't picture this guy what was his number?

ps get well soon.

Hospital info:

http://www.trimofran.org/tmfbody.cfm?id=207

Hospital info:

http://www.trimofran.org/tmfbody.cfm?id=207

My prayers for Tom's healing. I know the good people of the cmra and i know the healing power's of praying works.

Gordon Bradeen

My prayers for Tom's healing. I know the good people of the cmra and i know the healing power's of praying works.

Gordon Bradeen

Jared wanted me to let you all know that he has appreciated everyones support and care. For an update on Tom's condition Jared will be adding information to there website http://www.beeswheels.com Go there to see for the latest information as Jared does not have access to post here on the BBS. I did not have the heart to tell him to register here on CMRA website for access as he has many other things to deal w/ now. Thanks again for everyones support and prayers

Jared wanted me to let you all know that he has appreciated everyones support and care. For an update on Tom's condition Jared will be adding information to there website http://www.beeswheels.com Go there to see for the latest information as Jared does not have access to post here on the BBS. I did not have the heart to tell him to register here on CMRA website for access as he has many other things to deal w/ now. Thanks again for everyones support and prayers

I just received a call from Jamie Weems. She went to the hospital to visit Tom and his family. His wife told her that Tom had asked to be taken off of life support. They are waiting for the rest of the family to arrive and they have asked for any other visitors to please let them have this time for family. They will let us know any information as they get it. Please keep Tom and his family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. God bless and be with you Tom!

I just received a call from Jamie Weems. She went to the hospital to visit Tom and his family. His wife told her that Tom had asked to be taken off of life support. They are waiting for the rest of the family to arrive and they have asked for any other visitors to please let them have this time for family. They will let us know any information as they get it. Please keep Tom and his family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. God bless and be with you Tom!

http://www.beeswheels.com/56.html

RIP Tom....you and your family will be in my prayers and many others for days to come.

http://www.beeswheels.com/56.html

RIP Tom....you and your family will be in my prayers and many others for days to come.

May GOD have mercy on your soul.
Peace be with your family.

May GOD have mercy on your soul.
Peace be with your family.

Godspeed

Godspeed

I would like to offer my condolences to the Beesley family on such a tragic day.

I would like to offer my condolences to the Beesley family on such a tragic day.

Such terrible news...I don't have the words. Sissy and I will surely offer prayers for Tom and his family. May God strengthen you, comfort you, and give you His peace.

Sincerely,
Gene

Such terrible news...I don't have the words. Sissy and I will surely offer prayers for Tom and his family. May God strengthen you, comfort you, and give you His peace.

Sincerely,
Gene