April 18, 2024 9:02 pm
Now There Are Six
After enjoying an exciting Tissot Sprint on Saturday, I was looking forward to watching another MotoGP Sunday at The Pretentiously Named Circuit of the Americas, deep in the heart. My plans were derailed late Saturday night when I found myself on the bathroom floor of my house having what turned out to be a minor stroke. My right hand was giving me sass, and I was unable to get on my feet. My phone, which normally offers me a six-digit code I use to unlock it, gave the appearance of having only five blanks, which was largely immaterial as I could not type nor slide the bar necessary to unlock it. My facial recognition screen was not recognizing me, possibly because I was covered in, well, puke. After a half hour struggle I made it back to my bed and resolved to wait until something happened to improve my status. My daughter and her husband showed up on Sunday morning, freaked the hell out, called 9-1-1, and off I went via ambulance for a four-day excursion through the medical/industrial complex at Indiana University Hospital.
The good news was that I became stable during the day on Sunday. I regained 95% of the use of my hand by Tuesday, my legs started working again, and I was largely comfortable, other than the fiendish hospital bed and the unfathomable sheets and blankets they provided. The bad news was that during the interminable rounds of tests they gave me to assess my condition they discovered that I probably have atrial fibrillation and that there is a better than even chance that my cancer is busily recurring, having left my pancreas and taken up residence in my liver.
Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
Contrary to my usual practice, I am not going to spoil the race for those of you who have not seen it. For once, it was as good as Matt and Louis made it out to be. The subhead of this piece refers to the number of actual title contenders currently employed in the premier class. Four Ducati pilots–Pecco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, Jorge Martin and, yes, Marc Marquez, who crashed out of the lead for his second consecutive DNF but is showing definite signs of professional life in 2024. Aprilia veteran Maverick Vinales, who became one of only five riders ever to win premier class races with three different manufacturers. And, surprising few people even casually familiar with this sport, rookie Pedro Acosta on the KTM-GasGas machine.
As I am not 100%, I’m going to stop here and promise to better starting with Jerez. Those of you who have been reading this drivel for years will kindly dispense with the sincere best wishes and instead keep your affectionate slings and arrows coming, as usual. I expect to be writing this stuff for a good long while yet, and have no time for maudlin.
Cheers.
Posted by Bruce Allen
Categories: Aprilia, COTA, Ducati, Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, Grand Prix of the Americas, Jerez, KTM, Marc Marquez, maverick vinales, Moto, MotoGP, MotoGP COTA, MotoGP Jerez, MotoGP Results, Motorcycle Racing, pedro acosta, Racing News
Tags: Aprilia, COTA, Ducati, Enea Bastianini, gasgas, Grand Prix Motorcycle, jorge martin, KTM, Marc Marquez, maverick vinales, motogp, pecco bagnaia, pedro acosta
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Ornerier than cancer and afib, I trust
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By dmensch84d221634d on April 18, 2024 at 9:58 pm
As you wish Bruce.
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By Anonymous on April 18, 2024 at 10:07 pm
I just recently started reading your comments, so I really would be
disappointed if you up and died. So here to hoping you keep on writing
this for many more years. I am battling my second round of cancer and
as a 75 year old MotoGP fan your comments are really on point.
Best regards,
Lonnie Heidtke
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By Lonnie Heidtke on April 19, 2024 at 12:26 pm
I was there and the race was just as much fun in person. Great weekend at the track although it was a bit windy.
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By Buzz on April 19, 2024 at 2:10 pm
even if Marquez hadn’t crashed, I don’t think he would have held off Viñales; he was flyyyyiiing
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By paulevalence on April 19, 2024 at 4:30 pm
“I am not going to spoil the race for those of you who have not seen it. … Marc Marquez, who crashed out of the lead for his second consecutive DNF … Maverick Vinales, who became one of only five riders ever to win premier class races with three different manufacturers.”
I’m glad to see that your cancer is not affecting the quality of your content. After all, there’s no way for it to be worse!
Old MOron who wishes you well
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By Anonymous on April 19, 2024 at 7:55 pm
Love happy endings) Take care, Bruce!
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By Anonymous on April 22, 2024 at 6:47 am
So sorry to hear of a rough weekend. Then there was yours. Put Acosta on a Ducati and I think the season would be over. I’m one of those types that can watch Marquez going down the track plastic side down on replay for hours. Not that I wish him injury, just stay out of the title chase.. Hope the wind blows you some good health for a change.
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By Vrooom on April 22, 2024 at 11:03 am