Adrian Redpath: Inside speedcar champion’s long road to recovery
Carrick Speedway viewers were left in shock as the vehicle driven by a racing legend spun out and crashed. This is his long road to recovery. STORY >>
Launceston
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Top Tasmanian sprintcar racer Adrian Redpath, a 49-year-old married father of two from Moriarty, was initially left paralysed from a shocking accident sustained at Carrick Speedway during last Saturday’s Sprintcars State Title, it can be revealed.
Family friend Sydney Wyatt, the daughter of Team Pitt Racing head honcho Bruce Pitt, said the beloved farmer sustained fractured ribs, a number of lumbar spine fractures, a fractured sternum, a pneumothorax, and some spinal cord damage in the accident.
“He was initially paralysed from the incident, however, has now regained some movement and feeling in his legs,” Ms Wyatt said.
Mr Redpath was initially transported to the Launceston General Hospital before he was transferred to Royal Hobart Hospital, where he underwent surgery to stabilise the lumbar spine fractures.
“Surgeons are really happy with what they managed to do during surgery and he is recovering and improving really quickly,” she said.
On Wednesday morning, Mr Redpath was flown to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital to commence his rehabilitation.
“He will be there for an extended period of time depending on his recovery,” Ms Wyatt said.
Wife Bianca, siblings Jason and Anita, and parents Les and Betty all spent extended periods by his bedside in Hobart.
“The Redpath family is huge and have absolutely banded together to support one another. Everyone is positive and in good spirits but taking things one day at a time,” Ms Wyatt said.
Mr Redpath is a living legend in Tasmanian racing, having commenced aged 18 and going on to claim five sprintcars state titles. He joined Team Pitt Racing full-time in 2019.
Racing blood runs deep in Redpath veins, Ms Wyatt said – father Les Redpath was a successful sprintcar driver, as is brother Jason, and they have a number of other family members who race as well, including son Jack and several of Mr Redpath’s nieces and nephews.
Testifying to his good standing is the fact that a fundraiser by Ms Wyatt to support the family has raised more than $36,000 at the time of writing.
“Adrian is incredibly well liked and respected among the speedway community Australia-wide and the huge response to the (fundraiser) is a testament to the great person he is,” she said.
“Adrian is one of the most humble and respectable people that I know and it’s been great having him drive for us and become part of the family. The speedway fraternity has come together from far and wide to support Adrian and Bianca through this ordeal.”
Ms Wyatt, cousin Matt Redpath and team owner Tony Clasener are setting up a merchandise stand at Hobart Raceway for this Saturday’s meet, with all proceeds going to the Redpaths.
They will be selling donated merchandise from racing legends across the country, including Jock Goodyer, Brock Hallett, Dylan Beveridge, Lockie McHugh, Jamie Veal, James McFadden and others.
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