Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Chris Ulrich qualified 4th fastest in AMA Superstock at Road Atlanta despite crashing out late in the session, the final on-track activity of the day.
After turning a lap at 1:27.239 for an average speed of 104.815 mph, Ulrich highsided his GSX-R750 coming underneath the Suzuki bridge and suffered abrasions when the back of his leather racing suit tore apart upon impact.
It was the beginning of a long night for Ulrich, who suffered an allergic reaction to an over-the-counter disinfectant containing lidocaine, which he was using to remove dirt and grit from his abraded back. Ulrich’s face puffed up and he broke out in a severe rash all over his body, was treated by EMTs at the racetrack and was then taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated with injected and oral medications. Ulrich returned to his motorhome at the racetrack around 12:30 a.m. Friday night.
Saturday morning, Ulrich had trouble walking and climbing onto his bike; after two laps of practice he came in and again reported to the track medical center, where he was diagnosed with sprained ligaments in his hip, another result of his crash.
Ulrich also qualified 10th fastest in AMA Superbike at 1:27.206, for an average speed of 104.855 mph, on his Superstock bike. While he does not compete in the Superbike class, Ulrich routinely uses the Superbike sessions for extra practice.
