Smithfield, PA ”“ A few weeks ago, eight-time Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Champion Barry Hawk endured perhaps the hardest crash of his career at the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC in South Carolina. The Am-Pro Yamaha veteran washed out on the first lap of the race and ended up clipping a tree, eventually flying through the air and hitting another tree with his back. Hawk collapsed his lung, broke four ribs and his shoulder blade in the incident.

Hawk spent about a week at Spartanburg Regional hospital in South Carolina, and is now back home recovering in Pennsylvania. He expects to be out for three months while recovering from a broken shoulder blade, but he’s already focused on coming back stronger than ever.

“I didn’t think for one second about not getting back on a motorcycle,” says Hawk. “If anything, this time off is just going to give me more fire.”Â

Hawk wishes to thank several people who helped him through his time in the hospital, including Doctor Justin Hensley from the hospital, and everyone that stopped in to lend support, especially Jeff Miller, Randy Hawkins, and my wonderful wife Kristin that never left my side.

Fans emailed get well messages to Hawk through the www.gnccracing.comwebsite, and Hawk appreciated the support, too. “It means so much to have those letters,” says Hawk. “I read every one and I appreciate every one, and I just want to say thanks.”Â

Hawk was in attendance at the Wiseco John Penton GNCC over the weekend in Ohio and enjoyed watching the race. He hopes to be back on the track possibly by the GEICO Mountain Ridge GNCC in Pennsylvania on July 4th weekend.