WARNING EXPLICIT PHOTOS YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
Where to start?
2012 ended with a bang. Amateur runabout moto 1. 3,2,1 go….I got caught with my head down and blew my line. I wasn’t timing the turn of the card correctly.
Amateur runabout Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), the band snaps. Nice holeshot, but this time I’m forced inside and was pushed into a buoy. Together the boat and I take flight. I was knocked off like a bucking bronco.
Mike Mendez 2012 IJSBA World Finals
Treading the water I see my race boat clearly off the track. And then it gets run over by another racer. Tough day.
Major fiberglass damage, plastics are cracked, and dash is completely destroyed. I am not willing to throw in towel. I have worked too hard and have come too far to quit now.
I am introduced to a gentleman, by the name of Jeff Vetter at Havasu Auto Body. He is convinced he can have me back on the water in time for Pro Am event. I found some parts at miscellaneous shops and we began to repair damage.
With two late nights of hard work we were able to repair the damaged boat with new fiberglass; sanded and primed and we actually zip tied dash back together. Boat was ready. I was ready. Blood was pumping.
fiberglass work in full swing
At this time my father and friends had made the trek from Phoenix, Arizona to watch. I wasn’t planning on disappointing anyone.
Staged on the line for the Pro Am class. The starting band snaps and I took the hole shot. Made it around the giant sweeper and was turning 1st hard 90 degree turn and spun out on the aftermath of the hole shot wakes. I was directly facing 19 boats head-on. Two other boats crashed in the turn and the red flag was thrown for a restart.
I of course was singled out and was forced to start dead engine. I was upset with the call and was told by staff if I wasn’t going to control my boat I had to start dead engine! Result was I had to race the LCQ.
Mike Mendez in action at the 2012 IJSBA world Finals
Pro am LCQ. Band snaps, I am a bit more conservative at this point. I believe I was running in 5th position when from behind an opponent chopped a buoy and ran directly into my boat. At this point I’m thrown into the water within an instance.
I’m not even sure the exact point of impact but I’m definitely in pain. I notice I can’t tread water because my right arm was broke. We are told to have our arm held up so a rescue boat can come sweep you up. Well at this point I can’t tread or hold my arm up.
Over and over I’m being roosted by competitors’ boats water spray. I’m kicking to stay above the wakes.
Within seconds that felt like hours a rescue boat had come to bring me to shore. We reached the shore and I walked into the medical hut.
Mike Mendez Broken arm
Everyone was pretty disgusted by my compound fracture and wasn’t too thrilled to see my bone sticking out. I was rushed to the ambulance with my last remembrance being Chris MacClugage , fellow Liquid Militia team rider peaking in and giving me the thumbs up and telling me ‘things will be okay’.
I believe the hospital is only 3 miles away from race site but that was a painful trip. After I made it to hospital meds finally kicked in. I was immediately rushed in to have my wound addressed.
Mike Mendez Huge Gash
Because of the lake water I was informed it was mandatory I had to have immediate surgery and was required to have this wound flushed out completely. 24 hours later I was released to make my 12 hour drive home.
My best friend and pit chief Clay Olsen offered to drive me home, where I was to have my final surgery. Big thank you is in order to Clay Olsen and Jamie Eddie. Both worked my race pits but also packed me up and got me home. Two world class friends!
Two plates and a bunch of screws later I am on my road to recovery.
Mike Mendez plate and screws gnar, gnar
In my off time I have completely rebuilt the 300x in anticipation of the 2013 season. Steve Friebe from Fresno is an amazing mechanic and jet ski racer. Team Clawson Motorsports can handle any job large or small. Jet skis, quads, dirtbikes, and side x sides. The 260 also got a rebuild last year from Team Silva, so I am confident I will have a reliable season in 2013.
It’s going on six months now and I have completed physical therapy and have had the okay by my doctor to race. I have been training and been trying to get as much seat time as possible.
Djsa had a hot lap’s session in Tracey which was a great day of hitting buoys and practicing the track. I really look forward to getting out there and representing my sponsors and the sport.
Thank you Liquid Militia, Hydro Turf, HT moto, Spy, ODI, Amsoil, Dk1 Design, LML Properties, Ski Clinic, and Uneek.
My family has been really supportive throughout this whole episode. My fiancée Kelley really stepped up by nursing me back to health, sponge baths and all. I was pretty useless for a while between surgeries. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. Thank you Kelley, I love you.
My son James just turned 7 years old on April 7th. There isn’t a race that goes by that he’s not asking for a jet ski of his own. He’s about ready.
My 15 month old son Cruz has definitely brought a whole new perspective to life. He is a ball of energy whom will definitely leave a standing impression.
With the season upon us I anticipate racing closed course as well as some endurance races. I plan on attending DJSA, RPM, and IJSBA sanctioned events.
Mike Mendez
MIKE MENDEZ 300
