Isle of Man TT: Steve Mercer in 'stable' condition after surgery
Isle of Man TT rider Steve Mercer's condition has been described as "stable" as he continues his recovery from injuries sustained in a collision with a course car on Wednesday evening
Following the tragic accident that claimed the life of Manx rider Dan Kneen during Wednesday evening's practice sessions, Jackson Racing's Mercer collided with a course car on its way to the scene of the Chruchtown incident while he made his way back to the paddock.
Mercer was taken to Nobles hospital on the island before being transferred to a hospital in Liverpool, where he underwent surgery on his leg and pelvis.
His wife Caroline revealed in a statement on Thursday that Mercer has suffered a broken heel, T12 vertebrae, a fracture to his larynx, as well as neck damage, and was unable to breathe unaided.
In a second update on Saturday, she added: "Steve is still in critical care and will be for a while yet. He's still unable to fully breathe for himself, however they [the doctors] are hopeful he may be able to try soon."
On Sunday a brief statement from TT organisers the ACU said Mercer is now "stable in hospital in Liverpool and is receiving ongoing assessment."
Mercer had announced his retirement from racing following a crash at the TT last year, but was back in action in 2018 testing with the official Honda team in the event Ian Hutchinson was unable to compete through injury.
After the 16-time winner was declared fit, Mercer found a place with the Jackson Racing team for this year's event.
Saturday's opening Superbike TT was emotionally won by Tyco BMW's Michael Dunlop, who dedicated his 16th win on the island to his fallen teammate Kneen.
Previous article
Isle of Man TT: Michael Dunlop wins Superbike opener
Next article
Isle of Man TT newcomer Adam Lyon dies in Supersport race incident
About this article
| Series | TT |
| Author | Lewis Duncan |
How the world's fastest road racer is helping Britain's motorcycling future
Britain has dominated motorcycle racing for three decades, but its representation at the top table is in decline. Looking to provide fresh energy and opportunity in the junior ranks, the world's fastest road racer Peter Hickman may have found a solution
The far-reaching impact of cancelling motorcycling's greatest race
The coronavirus-induced cancellation of the Isle of Man TT was unavoidable, but as thoughts turn to its return in 2021, the ramifications could be felt for a long time yet
How the IoM TT's greatest race was won
In our final feature looking back at the major motorsport moments from the 2010s, we recall a day at the 2018 Isle of Man TT that featured broken records and the making of a new star of the motorbike road racing scene
The law keeping a circuit 'better than Spa' alive
Like the Isle of Man TT, the Ulster Grand Prix has thrived after losing world championship status decades ago. But unlike the TT, Ulster walks a fine line to survive through an innovative bit of legislation
What went wrong with McGuinness's TT comeback
John McGuinness targeted scoring a podium "at least" with Norton at the Isle of Man TT, but his return to the island - in the major classes at least - could scarcely have gone worse. What next for the veteran after his most disappointing TT?
What the TT means to those who have braved it
OPINION: The Isle of Man TT is an event like few others in motorsport - and it has a reputation for being incredibly dangerous. But to those involved in the competition, it has a completely different standing
The unavoidable headache challenging TT organisers
For much of the 2019 Isle of Man TT fortnight so far, the weather has dominated the headlines as rain has forced a series of delays and cancellations. This may be frustrating to fans, but stems from the unique challenge that makes the event a motorsport gem
The importance of short-circuit racing for TT success
Isle of Man TT riders using short-circuit races to warm up for the main event is nothing new, but the success of some relative newcomers to the TT in recent years has resulted in a more seismic shift in preparations
