Tobias Thomsen, a 31-year-old Danish speedway rider, sustains severe injuries following a high-impact crash during a heat-one race between Poole Pirates and Plymouth Gladiators. The incident occurs on Friday evening when Thomsen collides with Richard Lawson, who strikes him from behind.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
Thomsen suffers a broken femur, three fractured ribs, a punctured lung, three minor facial fractures near the eye, and a small brain hemorrhage. Doctors insert a titanium bar from his knee to hip to stabilize the femur. The facial fractures require no surgery, and medical staff describe the brain hemorrhage as non-serious.
Update from Hospital
From his bed at Poole Hospital, Thomsen posts an update on Facebook: “Little update here from Poole Hospital. I have broken my femur and have had a titanium bar inserted from the knee up to the hip to stabilize it. In the face, around the eye, I have three minor fractures in the bones, which fortunately do not require surgery. In addition I have broken three ribs and a punctured lung. And in the end I have a small haemorrhage in the brain – nothing serious, the doctor said. What’s going to happen from here, I’m not sure yet. Going to do my best to get back in shape and see where this takes me in the future. I want to race again because it’s what makes me happy and feel alive. I really thought I had everything under control at this time. But getting hit from behind is hard to avoid. This is a race accident and I have no grudge against Lawson – I know this could happen. All the focus now is on getting back in shape. Thank you for all the love and support.”
Team Statement
Plymouth Gladiators, Thomsen’s current team, issues a statement emphasizing recovery: “At this stage, the focus is on his recovery. While the full timeline remains unclear, Tobias is determined to work hard to regain full fitness and assess his options moving forward. Racing is something he loves and is a huge part of his life, and his aim is to return when he is ready. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who donated last night. An incredible £1,387.95 was collected in the buckets, and your support is hugely appreciated. Thank you also for all the messages of support they mean a great deal and Tobias will see them.”
Opponent’s Response
Richard Lawson, Thomsen’s former teammate with Poole Pirates, expresses devastation: “Jesus Christ mate! I am absolutely gutted for you, wish I wasn’t the other rider in this with you. So s***, and we were just chatting 5 minutes beforehand! Hopefully see you in Denmark. I really hope you heal quicker than anticipated. F*** mate.”
