On Monday August 1,Yamaha's Bill Ballance broke his left leg at the 2006 Yamaha YFZ450 at Castillo Ranch during the YFZ450 Press Introduction in Los Alamos, CA (just north of Santa Barbara).
Ballance was jumping the ATV for a few photographers. During one jump he started to over-rotate beyond vertical and had no choice but to throw it away. He broke his left leg above the ankle with multiple fractures when he landed on his feet.
"Right now, everyone's primary concern is getting Bill the appropriate medical attention," said Steve Nessl, Yamaha's ATV PR Manager.
When asked if Ballance will be able to pursue his sixth GNCC championship, Nessl could only tell us the following; "He's in good spirits. Mostly he's anxious to get the injury taken care of and start healing as soon as possible. He's fully aware of the implications with respect to this year's GNCC series, but as anyone who knows Bill is aware, he's extremely competitive and doesn't intend to give up the 2006 title without a fight."
Ballance flew home to Kentucky to meet with his personal doctor and get his broken bones set and bolted together. The Yamaha racer was upbeat about having five weeks to heal. Whether it'll be enough time to mend before the return to racing in September is the big question.