Manx rider Grant Thomson has revealed he has been ‘real depressed, real sad, and in a lot of pain’ since his devastating Southern 100 crash, admitting that people seeing him now do not see what he has been through behind closed doors.
The Port St Mary rider suffered life-threatening injuries when he crashed at Church Bends during last month’s Billown meeting, ruling him out of the Manx Grand Prix.
Thomson, who spent four days in a coma before being transferred to Aintree Hospital, said returning home had been a major help in his recovery.
‘I know, I've seen people at Manx Grand Prix this week looking at me, going, “It doesn't even look like you crashed’,” he told Media Isle of Man.
‘But, you know, I have been through quite a hard few weeks. No one's seen behind closed doors.
‘I've been real depressed, real sad, and in a lot of pain. And I just feel being back home has really helped my recovery.’
The 2025 Manx Grand Prix newcomer had been due to return to the Mountain Course this year, but is now focused on getting his health back and is unlikely to race again in 2026.
‘I haven't got any plans this year,’ he said.
‘I've still got a lot of injuries, which I can't hide away from. I'm still recovering quite a lot from it and we are getting there very slowly.
‘But it's more likely going to be next year now.’
Thomson suffered five shattered ribs, which punctured his lung, a broken shoulder, internal bleeding on his spleen, five broken vertebrae and a broken right arm.
He described it as the biggest crash he has ever had, but despite the severity of his injuries, he says he still intends to return to racing.
Thomson has raced at the Southern 100 for three years and believes the crash will not stop him from returning to the Billown Course.
‘Don't get me wrong, it might be a bit daunting on the first lap,’ he said.
‘But once I get through on there in the first lap, you know the race pace is going to go. The pace isn't going to stop because of me.
‘It's going to be one of them, and I feel like I still have a point to prove.’
Thomson believes he made a mistake after switching from the heavier superbike to a lighter Supertwin.
‘I just climbed over it too quick and unfortunately paid the price from it by hitting the wall,’ he said.
The rider has also been overwhelmed by the support he has received from the Manx community and wider racing world, particularly through a GoFundMe campaign set up following the crash.
Thomson said he was in a coma for four days and was not able to properly look at his phone until the Saturday evening after waking on the Friday.
‘When I finally clicked on Facebook to see the GoFundMe set up, and watching everyone that had donated to it, it had made a massive impact on my life,’ he said.
‘They've all helped me out massively.’
He added: ‘Without everyone that supported me during the GoFundMe page, you know, I wouldn't be only back where I am.’
Thomson also paid tribute to those involved in his treatment, including Southern 100 officials, marshals, medics and staff at Noble’s Hospital and Aintree.
‘All of you played a massive part in saving my life,’ he said.
While missing the Manx Grand Prix has been difficult, Thomson used the interview to offer his support to other riders and families affected by incidents during this year’s meeting.
He also remembered his friend Sam Naughton from Castletown, who died during an incident in qualifying at Doran’s Bend.