In a shocking turn of events during June’s third round of the season, Mitsunori Matsuda was involved in a harrowing incident while exiting the high-speed 130R. The impact with the barriers and catch fencing left his NISMO-run Nissan completely destroyed. The two-time GT500 champion had to be airlifted to the hospital, leaving fans fearful for his wellbeing. However, despite the severity of the crash, Nissan reported that Matsuda had managed to avoid any significant injuries. Three days later, he was transferred from intensive care to a general ward to continue his recovery journey.
During his time in the hospital, Matsuda’s physical condition came to light. He revealed that he had initially been unable to walk due to a crack in his right ankle and muscle damage in his thighs. The pain he experienced was immense, making it impossible for him to extricate himself from the wreckage unassisted. As he lay there, his mind filled with worries, questioning whether a comeback would even be possible. It was an incredibly trying time for the seasoned racer.
The road to recovery was an arduous one for Matsuda. With the base muscles in both of his thighs damaged, he had to endure extensive training and rehabilitation. At first, he could only engage in exercises that were achievable from a wheelchair. However, with unyielding determination, he gradually progressed to practicing walking. Finally, after weeks of perseverance, he reached a point where he could walk again unaided. While his upper body remained unscathed, he had started training his legs in early July and was pleased with the progress he was making in terms of strength.
A Battle Against Time: The Targeted Return to Racing
Matsuda and his medical team set their sights on making a comeback for the Fuji race soon after he was transferred to Suzuka Kaisei Hospital. They carefully devised a plan that would enable him to return to racing in August. Considering the torn muscles, they estimated the required duration for repairs and ensured that Matsuda limited his movements accordingly during the healing process. Although the recovery period seemed unending, Matsuda diligently followed the doctors’ plan. His rehabilitation progressed astonishingly well, leading to the long-awaited confirmation that he could participate in the upcoming race at Fuji.
However, it is important to acknowledge that Matsuda’s journey to full fitness is far from over. Candidly, he admitted that he currently operates at around 70% to 80% of his peak physical condition. While his left leg, designated as his braking leg, has almost fully recovered, his right leg still has a way to go, sitting at just over 50%. Nevertheless, his unwavering determination and indomitable spirit fuel him to push through this setback.
Even during the challenging period when Matsuda was unable to utilize his legs, he focused on maintaining his stamina. Using a hand cycle for training, he managed to keep his fitness levels in check. Now, as he takes this remarkable step to return to the race track, he remains hopeful that his resilience will see him through any difficulties that lie ahead.
As Matsuda and his teammate, Ronnie Quintarelli, head into the Fuji round, they currently occupy the third position in the GT500 standings. Despite the setback caused by the crash at Suzuka, their earlier triumph at Okayama and a seventh-place finish at Fuji’s second round in May have provided them with significant points. With their eyes set on victory, they aim to harness Matsuda’s determination and skill to propel them forward.
In the world of motorsports, resilience is often the differentiating factor between champions and mere contenders. The journey of Mitsunori Matsuda stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As he battles against physical and mental obstacles, his story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that setbacks are merely opportunities for comeback stories.
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