A MOTORBIKE racer has urged other drivers to 'know their limits' after a horror crash which left him hospitalised.

Luke Sprout, of Bath Street in Barrow, travelled to Cadwell Park near Lincoln to ride his motorbike in his first track day of the year last week. The 30-year-old shipyard mechanic had completed five laps around the racing circuit when another rider crashed into the back of him.

"He obviously missed an opportunity to brake, made a mistake and went straight into the back of me," Mr Sprout said.

"I became crushed between the barrier and the bike. I went flying and was immediately in a lot of pain.

"At first I thought I'd broken my back because it was absolutely killing me. I ripped my helmet off because I felt like I couldn't breathe."

Mr Sprout broke his collar bone, fractured his ribs, broke four metacarpals in his hand and bruised his lung and abdominal.

"I was in hospital for a week and had to have wires put in my hand," he said.

"No one was able to visit me either because of Covid - it's been tough. It's so frustrating because this has set me back months, and it's not even my fault. It's knocked me right back to rock bottom.

"It's all going to be a fitness and mental thing now.

"I don't want to risk an injury again but it'll take time to build my confidence back up after this."

Despite the extent of his injuries, Mr Sprout is undeterred on getting back on the bike and competing in the Metzeler Newcomers 600 which takes place next year.

The former music teacher said: "I'm very determined to get back on the bike - I live for it. If I'm not in work, I'm building bikes, it's a massive part of my life. There's no better feeling than winning a trophy on a bike you've built - it's so rewarding.

Mr Sprout is urging other motorbike racers to drive within their limits to prevent accidents like his.

He said: "When you get on the track, ultimately you want to get better, it's not about racing the fastest. You need to stay in your comfort zone and build yourself up slowly."