Retro: the incredible story of a forgotten hero

In 2012, the life of the hero Joan Lascorz changed. The Spanish driver has just hit a wall after falling at 200 km/h on the Imola track. The doctors quickly agree on the diagnosis; quadriplegic, four limbs affected and two lower limbs permanently paralyzed. However, Lascorz is a fighter, and has never laid down his arms. A look back at a singular destiny.

Joan, like many of her friends in the motorcycle world, is Catalan. Born in 1985, he is part of this golden generation which invaded the tracks in the mid-2000s. He cut his teeth on a pocket bike then a supermoto, before moving onto the asphalt full time. Lascorz is supported by the motorcycle equipment manufacturer Motocard, and is entering the Supersport world championship for the 2007 season. Despite a difficult start to the year, “Jumbo” progressed and even reached the podium in Italy. A promising start to say the least.

 

 

 

Not benefiting from an official machine, Joan must excel to hope to beat the Broc Parkes and other hosts of this prestigious series. He began the 2008 year with a 2nd place in Qatar, before pocketing his first victory in Valencia, three races later. He now leads the championship in his second season. Unfortunately, his equipment did not allow him to fight for the lead, and had to settle for an encouraging fifth place overall.

Kawasaki was already eyeing his talent. For 2009, the greens offer him a factory machine, capable of playing for the title. Lascorz didn't ask for that much. Displaying disconcerting regularity after a sluggish start to the season, he looks the opposition in the eye. And what a plateau. At the end of the 2000s, Supersport was one of the most exciting categories in motorcycle sports. Cal Crutchlow is sacred, before Eugene Laverty, Kenan Sofuoğlu and our good Joan Lascorz. One victory, five podiums and one pole are not enough against such monsters. For 2010, Joan is taking another step forward.

 

 

Subscribed to the podium (eight in nine races with one victory), he is heading towards a legendary explanation with Sofuoğlu and Laverty. However, fate decided otherwise: an accident at Silverstone seriously injured him. Forced to miss the last four rounds, he still finished third overall. Aware of his very good level, “Jumbo” took advantage of an opportunity at Kawasaki in Superbike for the 2011 season. An average year, marked by regularity but without exploits. The 2012 season began in the same way, until this terrible accident at Imola, which occurred during testing after the races.

Astonishment grips the motorcycle world. Paralysis has become extremely rare on the track, but zero risk does not exist. Imola, cursed track, claims a new victim here. A choice of route contested, including by the main interested party. « What happened to me is a shame. I don't know if it was bad luck or if the conditions at Imola weren't suitable for a 240 horsepower bike. In any case, it is inevitably the end of my career in Superbike and of a period of my life ».

For those who remember, the Lascorz case created a real social debate at the time. Indeed, having only had a career as a pilot, Joan had raised public awareness about money management and financial difficulties when everything stops overnight. « I will have to start from scratch and find a job that fits my situation. It wasn't easy to get to the level I was at and it was the result of a lot of effort. Since I stopped delivering pizza at 18 on my 50cc and started my racing career, that's all I've done.. It's an injury that not only keeps you out of competition but scars you for life. »

While all participants in major championships display a sticker “17 powers for Lascorz”, some, like Tom Sykes, are mobilizing by selling a helmet at auction to help the Spaniard. Once a commentator, Joan gradually disappears from our news feeds.

 

 

A great enthusiast, he never strayed from sport. On board converted buggies, he went to compete in Spain. In 2022, he was entered in the most prestigious race on earth: the Dakar Rally. Thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, the team raised 15 euros, enough to make an initial commitment. Co-piloted by Miguel Puertas, a former air force lieutenant, he is the first quadriplegic to line up there. History is in progress. Arriving 000th in the SSV category after more than 9 kilometers, the crew is exultant, without forgetting to warmly thank everyone who made this possible.

The story of Joan Lascorz is poignant, but leaves a bitter taste. How is it that no media, or almost no media, have relayed his adventure on the Dakar? Why ignore this kind of feat, which should have caused a stir? Thus, this modest paper is dedicated to him, as a “forgiveness”, even if it is not much. Go Jumbo!

Do you have any memories of this pilot? Tell me in the comments!

Cover photo: Kawasaki UK