Plater on the mend and preparing for action

Despite sustaining serious neck and arm injuries during the North West 200, Steve Plater is already looking forward to his return to action.

Plater, the 2009 British Supersport and Isle of Man TT champion, crashed heavily during practice for the NW200. It was initially through the HM Plant Honda rider's injuries were isolated to two broken bones in his left forearm and some bruising.

However, the rider, who was leading the 1000cc British Superstock Championship at the time of the crash, underwent tests two weeks after the crash after suffering continued pain. Scans revealed he had fractured a vertebrae in his neck and needed immediate surgery.

The discovery ended Plater's hopes of being on hand to assist the team during the 2010 Isle of Man TT, where his Superbike was ridden by Keith Amor and his Superstock machine by Michael Rutter.

Plater has now had two successful operations on his neck and is back at home recuperating.

He said:

"I have now had four operations, two on my arm and two on my neck so thought I it was time I updated everyone on my progress now that I'm home and can fully focus on recovering. I now have four plates, two rods and 23 screws holding my body together!"

"I am back home after being released from hospital mid last week and am fully ready to start my rehabilitation. The specialist is very pleased with the two operations to plate the vertebrae in my neck and he says that after another couple of days rest I can start swimming and also go to the gym."

"I've got pretty good movement in my neck already and I've already begun some physio and should see some more improvement in my arm very soon as well. It's only five weeks since the crash so really it's early days yet."

"It will take however long it takes and I'll just have to be patient, which is a bit alien to me as I'm so used to be very busy and active. I will not be back racing until I am fully fit as I need to make sure everything is healed up and not return too soon, but, my aim is to return to racing."

"I would like to thank everyone again for their texts, emails, cards and phone calls, from all over the world. It's actually been really encouraging, but also humbling to think that so many of you are interested in my progress."

"Now I'm done with operations and we know more how my progress will be, I'll keep everyone updated so do check back to the website for the latest news. I'll also try to post a few video blogs."

Plater had been due to ride the HM Plant Superstock machine in the two national championship races supporting the British MotoGP round at the weekend. His place was taken by the team's superbike rider Josh Brookes, who took victory in both races - helping ensure Plater's deficit in the championship is limited.

Plater said:

"I'd also like to say big congratulations to Josh for his brilliant ride and wins at Silverstone at the weekend on the Superstock Fireblade and for keeping my seat warm."

"Hopefully I will be at Mallory on race day to support the HM Plant Honda team, Josh and Kiyo this coming weekend, so will maybe see some of you then."