Nick Depalo, jump back a year ago and you see a bright young star. He has just finished up Loretta's in the B class and jumped to A. Nick raced a few Lites AX races and was putting himself on the map, winning, and leading main events. Unfortunately the day after Thanksgiving last year, Nick would crash just in front of the dinner table here at Gatorback. "I was running 3rd dropping down into the pit, and I was going to pass for 2nd, but the guy in front of me got a little squirly." Nick would recall. "He kinda cut me off which made me fall over. The initial hit actually dislocated my hip and broke my L1 Vertebrae, then I rolled a couple of times I guess and the guy right behind me had nowhere to go. He hit me in the right spot to where it forced my head forward enough to break my neck." The result of the crash would sever his spinal cord at the C6-7 vertebrae. The doctors say it is a complete injury, but Nick has different ideas.

Nick would be paralyzed, and forced into a wheel chair. Now the 20 year old from Miami has a different outlook on life. Nick is now trying to help the MX sport by promoting and selling the new Leatt Brace. Nick raced for 6 years, started as a C rider and said his biggest accomplishment was reaching the A class and lining up to the riders he had always looked up to. Nick has numerous friends and family who have been there for him, we wanted to catch up with Nick and get his story.

Nick Depalo, whats going on man, how have you been lately?

Depalo: I have been good! Working hard staying busy for the most part. I got my drivers license (again) back in July so I was pretty pumped about that. I'm just trying to adjust to everything and get back to a normal life again, I'm still a beginner with this injury.

From what I hear you are working with Leatt Brace as a distributer and trying to make riders and people more aware of buying a Brace that can help people out tremendously.

What is going on with all of that?

Depalo: Yes, Geoff Patterson the US importer of the Leatt Brace heard about my situation and gave me the opporunity to sell the braces. Right now my dad is showing up at some of the races and promoting the brace. We worked out a deal where the sale profits are split between me, Miami Project to cure paralysis and an ocassional donation of a brace to certain riders that really can't afford one. I really believe this product should be manditory for all riders.

Before your crash you were well on your way to the Pro ranks as you were winning some Lites AX races and really proving yourself. What was your main goal before you got hurt?

Depalo: My goal then was to just keep progressing and trying to better my results every race I entered, I felt like I had a long way to go to get to where I wanted to be.

Now that life has thrown some small curves and boundarys in your way.

What are you wanting to accomplish now?

Depalo: I am not to sure yet, I know eventually im going to go to college, but I have always thought that if I didn't make it in racing I would work in the industry some how. Maybe I'll build a sick track for everyone! I'd love to do somethig like that. We'll see what the future holds.

Its great that you are sticking to your MX background, just like Button and Fonseca.

How is your rehab going and what do you for it, and how often?

Depalo: Rehab is hard work! It deffinitly keeps me motivated. I go 4 times a week right now, but I will be getting some equipment for the house soon so I'll be at it everyday. A lot of the therapy I do now is to stay fit for the future since I am not able to move my legs. I use a standing frame to keep my bones strong and I also use an electrical muscle stimulation bike to keep the muscles in my legs toned, aside from that I just work on my balance and getting my arms stronger.

What are the chances of a big recovery like Button?

Depalo: Well I hope and pray for a full recovery. I know god has a plan for me so Im just going to stay possitive and keep working hard like I did when I was racing. Theres alot of research going on right now with stem cells so there is hope in that, you never know.

What is your main goal in the recovery?

Depalo: My main goal right now is to get more independent and get around on my own, I deffinitly don't want to have to rely on someone for the rest of my life. I need to do things on my own no matter what the circumstances.

Who has been helping you out throughout this process?

Depalo: There's so many people that have helped me in alot of different ways, It would take forever to name everyone, but my family has been there for me and whatever I need. Alot of friends have helped out with just being there for me. Everyone involved has been really helpful.

Depalo: It's hard to put into words how I feel just because I am so grateful, but the support and encouragement from everyone deffinitly means so much to me. It's helped me get through this and keep looking towards my future.

Thanks for the update Nick, who would you like to thank and how can someone get more information about you and your stuff your doing now?

Depalo: First off I would have to thank God, my family, friends, everyone who donated to help out with various expenses, all my previous sponsors and MX supporters. I'd like to put everyone who's helped out but the interview would never end. You can get more information about me and the Leatt Brace by visiting www.nickdepalo.com or send me an e-mail at squidstyle45@bellsouth.net.