Scott Russell in comeback test

Former WSB champ Scott Russell is on the verge of an amazing racing comeback, despite nearly being killed at the Daytona 200 in 2001.

He has been secretly testing for HMC Racing, an AMA Superbike squad, for a possible return to the American domestic superbike series in 2003.

Russell told MCN: ” I’ve just been sitting around at home for two years and was just getting bored.

” HMC team boss Mitch Hansen asked me if I was interested and here we are. ”

He could be lined up to replace HMC’s Doug Chandler on its Ducati 998 – Chandler is said to be poised to make a move to Honda – and renew the ties he made when he rode for the team in 2001 before his accident.

Russell was hit on the start line at Daytona after his bike stalled. He suffered a compound fracture of his left femur, a broken left arm and internal injuries and announced his retirement in March.