Dave Stanton

Dave Stanton is an American former AFM, WERA National Endurance, AMA Pro, and Formula USA champion who got injured while riding his Yamaha YZF-R1 during the first lap of the AFM Open Superbike race on June 2 at Thunderhill Raceway Park, in Willows, California. He was transported to Enloe Medical Center via medevac helicopter and was diagnosed with a punctured lung, a crushed spine and some internal wounds.[1]

References
  1. David Swarts (June 3, 2013). "Former Overall AFM Champion Dave Stanton Seriously Injured At Thunderhill". Roadracing World Publishing. Retrieved October 5, 2013.

Dave Stanton is the type of individual that makes racing what it is.

His influence on the sport knows no bounds. Friendly beyond measure. As a new racer, I was simply amazed at his presence in the pits. And that was clearly outdone by his prowess on the racetrack. His innate ability to bond with a motorcycle and then bend the laws of physics is beyond comprehension. Clearly one of the fastest racers I've ever had the privilege to line up with and take the green flag.

During an AFM practice session at Sears Point, I was "in the zone" and producing some of my best lap times. Coming down through the esses and approaching the Turn 9 bus stop chicane, something to my right caught my eye. I looked over and there was Dave, his mighty "Dan Kyle Everything R1" front wheel high in the air as he passed me going into the turn like I was stationary. The funny thing is he wasn't even looking at the chicane. He was looking directly at me. (I can only imagine him saying to me later "Dude- you looked awesome out there. You were going really fast when I passed you!" LOL)

He hit the brakes, hit the apex and then hit the afterburner. I was speechless. To see the best of the best doing what they do best is beyond my ability to put into words. If you haven't raced, you don't know what it is to be a part of this living, breathing adrenaline rush. If you have raced, you know exactly what I mean.

Dave's humor is legendary. He would ride his pit scooter around the paddock while wearing his Elvis sideburns/golden sunglasses thing. Hysterical. His spirit is what makes racing the most intense life experience possible. Thanks, Dave. You are not forgotten. You rock.


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