GUTSY Jack Smith hopes to get back on a speedway bike just days after his finger was left hanging off in a horror accident.
The Glasgow Tigers ace, 18, didn’t even know if his finger had been saved until he took the bandages off following an operation.
He had expected to lose the tip of the index finger on his left hand after it got caught in machinery when riding for Premiership side Belle Vue.
But surgeons kept the damage to a minimum and now Smith is eyeing a return for Glasgow’s playoff push – although he won’t make the semi-final first leg against Sheffield on Thursday.
Smith revealed: “Going into my operation on Friday the doctor said he was removing the tip of my finger.
“I got the dressing changed this week only to see they have saved it and managed to hide away the fractured bone.
“I’m pretty shocked I’ve still got it all – but really happy with the outcome.”
The Stoke-based rider, who’s racing in the top tiers of speedway for the first time, said of the crash: “A rider fell in front of me and I had nowhere to go.
“I ran into his bike and hit the ground and fence pretty hard.
“I think in that time I got my hand stuck and nearly ripped off the tip of my finger.
“I suffered a fracture to my left index finger and lost a fair bit of skin and nail, and stitches wouldn’t fix it so I needed an op.
“I’m not letting this stop me though and I’m hoping I’m fit enough to race soon – I’m desperate to get back for the playoffs.”
The Tigers travel to Sheffield on Thursday before the second leg is held at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium next Tuesday.
The winners will face either Ipswich or Edinburgh in the final.
Jack’s finger injury pre and post-op can be seen below.
***Caution – graphic images***
