Hurst on sidelines for '09

From Slednecks Racing

DENVER, CO and VANCOUVER, BC - Privateer racers Josh Galster and Misti Hurst are excited to announce their individual plans for 2009.

Throughout 2008, Galster and Hurst traveled and raced nearly all of the AMA nationals together as part of a privateer racing effort, Slednecks Racing.

"We had an amazing time together," said Hurst. "Without Josh as my teammate, I never would have been able to get so far in accomplishing my dreams. We made an awesome team and I couldn't have asked for a better partner and friend."

Hurst has decided not to race in 2009.

"It was a tough decision for me as I contemplated a life without racing and being on the go all the time, without the challenges of putting a privateer race program together and the rewards of achieving my goals, without seeing the people at the track that have become a kind of a 'family' to me," said Hurst.

"Of course, finances have played a big role in my decision. The sponsors that worked with me were incredible, but even with such generous support the sport is still extremely expensive. I put all I had into racing and giving it my best effort and am pleased with my results. I have no regrets.

"My husband John Parker and I have decided to take on something much more challenging than motorcycle racing, parenting! We are pleased to announce that we are expecting our first child at the end of May, 2009."

This will also put an end to Hurst's five-year stint as a level 3 coach for the world-renowned California Superbike School, which has been "more than rewarding and an incredible job."

Near the end of the season, Galster suffered a bad highside during the Supersport race at Atlanta that subsequently broke his neck and badly mangled his wrist and hand. With a fractured C2 vertebrae he was put into a halo and flown out to California where he had an appointment with a specialist in the motorcycle industry, Dr. Ting, who put his wrist socket back together and put some plates and screws into his wrist and hand.

Galster also met with spine specialist, Dr. Sonu who looked over his neck injuries and made sure the halo was positioned and installed properly.

Galster is set to recover fully from his injuries and he is more than determined to be present at the first round of the new AMA season March 4-6 at Daytona International Speedway.