Team HCR release statement on Tim Gjaser’s crash and lack of spare Boke at AUSX openSXI finals 2024

Team HCR Statement on Tim Gjaser’s Crash and Lack of Spare Bike at AUSX Open SXI Finals 2024

**Sydney, Australia — December 3, 2024** — **Team HCR** has issued an official statement regarding the unfortunate crash involving rider **Tim Gjaser** at the **AUSX Open SXI Finals** in Sydney, and the challenges that followed due to a lack of a spare bike. The incident, which occurred during the closing stages of the highly anticipated event, left fans and team members alike disappointed, and has sparked a detailed review of the team’s logistics and preparation moving forward.

Tim Gjaser, a key rider for Team HCR in the 2024 **AUSX Open**, was in the midst of a competitive performance when disaster struck in the final laps of the SXI Finals. A high-speed crash on a tricky section of the track left Tim shaken but alert, and fortunately, he was able to walk away from the incident. Medical personnel at the scene provided immediate attention, but after a thorough check, it was determined that Tim had sustained no serious injuries. He was advised to rest and refrain from further riding until a full recovery could be assured.

Despite the crash, the team was confident that Tim’s resilience would see him bounce back quickly. However, a far more pressing issue arose shortly after: **the team’s lack of a spare bike**.

### **The Issue: Lack of Spare Bike**

As the team scrambled to assess the damage to Tim’s primary bike, it quickly became clear that the crash had caused substantial damage that could not be repaired in time for the final. A spare bike was not available at the track, which left Gjaser without an option to continue the race. This lack of preparation—despite its critical importance in professional racing—was a serious setback for both Tim and the team.

Team HCR acknowledges the mistake of not having a backup bike on hand. In the fast-paced and high-stakes world of supercross, preparation and logistics are paramount, and this oversight compromised Tim’s ability to compete at his best. While the decision to not bring a second bike was based on a variety of logistical challenges, including limited space and transport issues, the team recognizes that this was a major lapse in planning that directly impacted the outcome of the event.

### **Team HCR’s Response**

Team HCR has taken full responsibility for the situation and has already begun a detailed internal review of the incident. **Team Principal**, **David Turner**, addressed the issue in a press release, emphasizing the team’s commitment to ensuring that this never happens again.

“We are incredibly sorry to Tim, our fans, and all our partners for the way things unfolded at the AUSX Open SXI Finals. Tim’s crash was an unfortunate event, but what followed—the lack of a backup bike—is something that should never have occurred. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and attention to detail, and this lapse in judgment has led to a review of our logistical operations. We will be taking all necessary steps to make sure this mistake does not happen again,” Turner said.

He further added, “We are proud of Tim for the way he handled the situation. His attitude, even after such a frustrating day, has been exemplary, and we have no doubt that he will come back stronger from this. Our focus now is on his recovery and ensuring that our team is better prepared for the future.”

### **Looking Forward: Lessons Learned**

The failure to provide a spare bike for Tim Gjaser at such a critical moment has forced Team HCR to re-evaluate several aspects of its operations, particularly regarding race-day logistics and equipment management. Going forward, the team will be instituting several new protocols to ensure the proper equipment and backup systems are always in place, regardless of the challenges faced during transportation or trackside operations.

“We’ve learned some tough lessons this weekend, but we will use them to better ourselves and to make sure our riders have everything they need when it counts,” said **Team Manager, Rachel Gray**. “This is a team effort, and while we take full responsibility, we know that we will come back stronger for it.”

Additionally, the team has begun discussions with its sponsors and partners to better streamline race-day operations and logistics, including increasing the number of spare bikes brought to future events. The team is also considering expanding its crew and support staff at key events to ensure that equipment can be managed more efficiently, reducing the chance of such an oversight in the future.

### **Tim Gjaser’s Recovery and Future Plans**

While the crash has understandably delayed Tim’s championship run in the 2024 AUSX Open, he remains in high spirits and is already focused on his recovery. Tim’s dedication to his sport and his mental fortitude were evident in the aftermath of the event, and he is determined to come back stronger in the upcoming rounds.

“I’m obviously disappointed by the way things went down at the AUSX Open, but I’m feeling good and I’m already looking ahead to the next race,” Gjaser said. “I want to thank my team for their support, and I’m grateful to everyone who’s been sending positive messages. We’ll learn from this, and I’ll be ready for the next challenge.”

### **Conclusion: A Commitment to Excellence**

Team HCR is committed to excellence in every aspect of its operations, and the challenges faced at the AUSX Open SXI Finals serve as a reminder of the constant need to evolve and improve. As the team moves forward, it will take proactive steps to ensure that no such issue arises again.

The team thanks its fans, sponsors, and partners for their continued support, and promises to work tirelessly to give Tim Gjaser and all of its riders the best possible chance of success in the future.