Prospective study of injury severity scores during a season of British Superbike racing

Abstract

Background: Motorbike racing is considered by many to be a dangerous sport, but there are little data within the literature to support this view. The purpose of this study was to determine the injury severity scores of injured riders in order to assess injury severity in elite level motorbike racing. Methods: Injury data were prospectively collected from all riders who attended the circuit medical centres at all rounds of the 2011 British Superbike Season. Abbreviated injury score and injury severity score were calculated for each rider and recorded along with other rider demographics. Results: A total of 259 riders presented to the circuit medical centres with injuries during the 2011 season. They suffered 382 injuries between them, with one fatality. The median injury severity score was 1 (mean 3.28, range 1–48, SD 5.08). Of the 1010 fallers during the season, only 33 (3.3%) required acute hospital admission. Conclusion: Greater than 93% of injured riders had injuries with an injury severity score ≤ 8 which is likely related to the high degree of protective clothing worn and safety measures at circuits including air fencing. The injury severity scores presented here for motorbike racing are less than or comparable to those seen in other physical sports such as elite level horse riding.