“Over the past 18 months I have lost 15 kilograms while getting fit, mainly so I could be more competitive on the kart track, if I didn’t do that I probably would have seen some pearly gates or some little red guy running around with a pitchfork, ” said Layne.
“Sometimes I’m racing against guys who are almost half my age, so to keep up with – and hopefully beat – them I’ve got to maintain my fitness and right now I’m grateful that I am as healthy as I am.
“Following the scare I feel like I’ve got a new lease on life. ”
A new lease on life is certainly what he has got.
Two weeks ago Layne contested two categories in the South Australian Closed State Karting Championships in Whyalla – 100cc Clubman Over 40’s and 125cc Leopard Heavy.
If it wasn’t enough for Layne to just be back behind the wheel competing, he finished as the Champion in the Over 40’s category and runner-up to Rowan Booth, 27 years Layne’s junior, in the 125cc class.
What’s almost as impressive is the fact that despite his near death experience Layne says he has no inkling to slow down. He was racing again last weekend, at the Bolivar Raceway – the previous time he was there he left in the back of an Ambulance, last weekend he left with the spoils of victory in the Clubman Over 40s division.
| 
|