Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/683145
FEATURE RACE FOR THE WOUNDED P106 returning members a day to sui- cide, according to a 2013 United States Department of Veterans Affairs study. That's one person for every 65 minutes, a quite staggering statistic. Post Trau- matic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is far and away the biggest prob- lem facing returning service- men and women, and is one issue Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan veteran Brett Robin- son decided to tackle head on. In 2012, Brett founded Race For The Wounded, a non-profit organization that uses motors- port to help wounded returning soldiers feel the same sense of adrenalin and camaraderie that once defined their lives within the military. A proper rider in every sense of the word, Brett knows the therapeutic benefit of racing an engine and wheels, and he's dedicated his life to ensuring other veterans catch the bug. "Endurance racing helped me readjust," Brett says. "Rac- ing brings you back. It gives COLIN EDWARDS AND RACE FOR THE WOUNDED All-American boy Colin Edwards is a hardcore military supporter. He's spent many years trumpeting and supporting the camo-clad guys and girls fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, long before he and Brett met at the 2008 Indy MotoGP, the two forming a solid friendship a few years later when readying themselves for the Baja 1000. "I actually started way earlier," Colin says. "At the end of 2001, I tested in Philip Island. I was (WorldSBK) cham- pion in 2000 and I finished second that year in 2001. I had a number made and it was a big number 2 for 2002. Right at the bottom of the 2 it said 9-11-2001. That's all I could really do to show sup- port. "Then I started wearing the military hats on the grid. When I was teammates with Valentino, every picture I have on the grid, that was '05, '06, '07, I had a military hat on all year that year. The same in 2003 and '04, Marines hats all year. "I want to get military guys to blend in with motorcycle guys. Motorcycle guys are kind of freaks. We have a little small niche of people that are into it. I'd like to get military guys, it could be three or four, whatever that number is, to come hang with us." The addition of Tony Scott's Trophy Truck has been a massive boost for RFTW. (Top) Army boy through and through, Edwards pays respect to the military whenever he can. (Below) Edwards in testing 2002, with the 9/11 tribute on his number in 2.