Alan Kempster – to live out a dream at 2014 Australian MotoGP
Losing an arm and a leg hasn’t stopped Alan achieving his life-long dream of racing motorcycles competitively.
The Victorian started competitive racing when he was a 20-year-old, but in 1990, his racing career was tragically cut short when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident with a drunk-driver which caused the traumatic amputations of his right arm and leg.
“Since I was six-years-old all I ever wanted to do was race motorbikes,” Alan said. “My dream was to compete in a World Championship race, but the accident put everything on hold,” he continued.
Despite his injuries, Alan was committed to his rehabilitation, and was determined to get back on the bike. In 2009, he bought a modified racing bike that enables him to race again.
Alan recently competed in the world’s first all-disabled race, the Di Di Dunlop Cup, in Italy and finished in an impressive fourth-place.
Alan’s dream of riding in a World Championship event will be realised when he competes in the 600cc support class at the 2014 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island on October 17-19.
“To race in front of a large crowd, and to have the world’s best riders watching on, is going to be a blast,” Alan added.
Alan, along with his friend Steve Frew, has set-up the Disabled Motorcycle Racing Foundation in the hope to give him and other disabled riders the opportunity to compete against abled-bodied competitors.
It takes some $25,000 a year to compete in race meetings, with money needed for repairs, maintenance and travel, which is almost impossible on a disability pension. Alan is asking for a hand-up, not a hand-out.
Alan receives offers from all over Australia and the world to ride at events in an effort to inspire people. “I’m going to Japan in November to race in some parade laps for the Suzuka Circuit’s 40th Anniversary Race. I’d like to go to all of them but I can’t afford to do it,” Alan said.
“I’d just like to say with anyone with a disability: If you have a dream and a passion you have to follow it,” Alan said. “You’re the one who has to make it happen.”
TOMCC is proud to support Alan in his endeavours and has donated $200 to help him continue his dream.
You can also contribute to Alan’s cause by making a donation to the Disabled Motorcycle Racing Foundation via Electronic Funds Transfer to BSB: 013-588 & Account No.: 192-163-954.
Follow Alan Kempster’s journey via his Facebook Page: Left-Side Story – Alan Kempster Committee.
