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The son of former AFL great Nathan Buckley returned to kart racing just weeks after narrowly avoiding death in a serious crash during a high-speed practice session.
Jett Buckley, 15, took to social media last weekend to reveal that he was back behind the wheel.
Wearing a new helmet and what appears to be a new kart, Jett was seen fully clothed as his kart rolled onto the track.
Jett Buckley has made a miraculous recovery after a near-fatal crash in December
Jett Buckley gives thumbs up from his bed after being released from hospital
Paramedics and firefighters treat Jett Buckley after he was involved in a nasty accident during practice in Melbourne.
‘First time back in the kart since the accident. Thanks to everyone who contributed, it felt so good!’ he told his followers.
The teenager had been lucky to escape with his life last month after suffering an accident on the track.
Jett had been guiding his kart around an inland Melbourne track when his kart’s brake line broke.
The impressive driver was thrown from his kart down an embankment, landing on the track with the kart landing on top of him.
Posting on Instagram after the accident, Jett confirmed that he had been seriously injured.
I have lacerated my kidney and liver. I also broke my clavicle (clavicle)’, he told his followers.
“My elbow and forearm have yet to be determined, pending scans.”
Jett was released from the Royal Children’s Hospital back home despite his horrifying injuries.
The tough teen claimed his protective gear helped save his life.
“Thank goodness for my savers my @arai_australia_nz helmet @jeckoracing rib protector, @offset.sport suit and gloves and @alpinestars boots,” he wrote from his own bed.
“For my home track @gokartclubofvictoria this is my second home and I can’t wait to get back out there.”
Jett and his famous father Nathan Buckley during an earlier event
Jett Buckley is treated by paramedics after crashing his kart in Melbourne
Jett is comforted by his mother Tania on the way to the hospital
His famous father had been across the country in Western Australia when the accident happened.
Doctors feared that Jett may have suffered a brain or spinal injury, but were shocked when he left with a fractured clavicle.
Jett made it clear that he was determined to get back on track as soon as he could.
This was an accident. It’s these protocols (including the safety gear I wear like a second skin) that protected me and will get me up fast,” Jett advised at the time.
“After reflecting on the last 48 hours, there is no doubt that I love this sport more than anything. I can’t wait to get back in my kart!’
Heartbreaking photos posted on Instagram showed the shocking moments immediately after the accident.
Firefighters and paramedics could be seen treating Buckley on the track, with his wrecked kart in the foreground.
Jett Buckley (pictured) was itching to get back behind the wheel
Staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne treat the injured runner
Jett’s clavicle was smashed to pieces in the shocking crash
Other images showed Jett’s mother Tania, who split from his father Nathan in December 2020, comforting him in the back of an ambulance.
Jett’s broken clavicle could be seen as he lay motionless on a gurney on the way to the hospital.
Jett had been practicing to compete in an endurance event when the accident occurred.
He thanked those who rushed to his assistance, paying special tribute to the paramedics who treated him at the scene.
“Thank you to ambulance drivers Ben and Laine and everyone else on the scene,” he wrote on Instagram.
‘Thank you to all the nurses and doctors at the Royal Children’s Hospital.’
Jett Buckley (right) is pictured with his karting coach, Brad Jenner.
Jett Buckley (pictured) was injured in a racing accident and is recovering in hospital
Former Magpies coach Nathan Buckley (center) with his sons Jett (right) and Ayce (left)
Jett said he would spend “a few days” in the hospital to “rest completely.”
The young racer has enjoyed repeated success on the track behind the wheel of an Italian-built kart valued at close to $7,000.
Karting has long been considered the fastest way to get behind the wheel of Formula 1 vehicles.
Unlike the kind of go-karts you rent from local karting resorts, professional go-karts can reach speeds of over 100 km/h.
Jett had previously discussed injuries he had sustained behind the wheel of a go-kart.
“With a bloody nose and a tangle at the end of the day, it didn’t go too bad,” Jett wrote after a race at Rochester a few months ago.
Jett is trained by champion karting Brad Jenner, who holds multiple Australian championships.
Jett’s famous father has not publicly referred to his son’s accident.
In October, Nathan Buckley flaunted his new girlfriend in front of his former partner at the Justin Cassin X Redken show at Melbourne Fashion Week.
The 50-year-old former AFL player turned up to the event with another brunette beauty on his arm as he sat a few feet from his ex Alex Pike.
Nathan and Alex began dating in early 2021 in the months following his split from ex-wife Tania Minnici after 18 years.
Regarded as one of the greatest AFL footballers of all time, Nathan played 280 games before going on to coach his beloved Collingwood Football Club.
Now he’s settled back into media roles since leaving the Magpies last year.