Powerboat racer critically injured in crash
A powerboat racer was flown to a Miami hospital in critical condition after Page Motorsports wrecked Friday afternoon, race officials confirmed at 4:20 p.m.
Joey Gratton, the throttleman, was conscious and talking, according to a race captain at the scene, but was in criticial condition when he was flown to Ryder Trauma Center, according to Larry Bleil, president of the Conch Republic Offshore Powerboat Racing Association.
Gratton is partners with Steve Page, the owner/driver, who was not injured in the wreck.
Both men were taken to Coast Guard Sector Key West, where paramedics were waiting to take Gratton to Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island.
They flipped on the last turn and their boat was left nose up.
Page, an 18-year veteran, teamed up with Gratton in 1999. Both are former motocross racers.
Page Motorsports has won three world championships, eight national championships, the Randy Linebach Lighthouse Award and was inducted into the American Power Boat Association’s Hall of Champions, according to pagemotorsports.com.

Prayers for Joey and all of the Page team

Prayers sent....

My Thoughts and Prayers go out to Steve, Joey and their Families. God Bless Guy's.

As far as I can see from the pics and ustream, the conditions are`nt that bad... I`ve seen Class1 and other races in worse waves & winds. When that`s said; I`m not familiar with the KW conditions at all, except from what we all can see on the web. The radio folks talk about "holes", so it may be worse, especially down at turn 1...?

4 boat that`s flipped is not good... I really hope we don`t see anything like this again on Sunday.
I love the sport, but I really hate dramas like this. Perhaps that`s why I`m only racing rc offshore powerboats...; It dos`nt hurt when you crash, other than in your wallet...

Race safe, my friends!

Just tried to call the Lower Keys Med Ctr about Joey but no answer. Does anybody know if he is still there and what his condition is?

From the Page Motorsports Facebook Page -

The entire Page Motorsports family would like to encourage everyone to continue to pray for our team and thank you for the prayers that have already been sent. Joey has been airlifted to Miami and Steve is being kept for observation at lower keys memorial. Please respect our families at this time by not posting any unconfirmed news.

Go back and actually READ the thread.

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An article with additional details here:

http://www.bnd.com/2011/11/11/193826...njured-in.html