Luke Clout started the season in perfect form, taking the two victories at the opening round of the Australian Motocross Championships at Wonthaggi last month.
The series leader in the MX1 class had a two-second lead in the opening moto round two at Gum Valley, Mackay, at the weekend – the track situated halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, in central Queensland – before an incident occurred on the third lap, when he crashed and snapped his right tibia and fibula.
His chances of retaining the No.1 plate have well and truly evaporated as he will take no further part in the Pro MX series but aims to be back to contest the Australian supercross championship later in the year.
The new championship leader in the MX1 class is Honda star Kyle Webster, ahead of Aaron Tanti, Todd Waters, Kirk Gibbs and Brett Metcalfe.
Meanwhile, in the MX2 class, Honda Racing Australia team rider and series leader Wilson Todd picked up where he left off at Wonthaggi, scoring two more back-to-back wins and extending his championship lead.
Clout remained in a Mackay Hospital overnight Sunday before flying to Brisbane on one of the first planes out.
He had the leg operated on by renowned surgeon to riders, Dr Stephen Andrews, the injury diagnosed as a “complex break”.
“I recall the whole thing but I’m not too sure how it happened. The rear of the bike stepped out and because of it being such a high-speed section of the track, the next thing I know I’m on the ground and my leg is in pain.
“I can’t thank the RACESAFE team enough for their support,” said Clout.
“Simon Maas and his team have gone above and beyond to look after me, as have the CDR Yamaha team, to make arrangements for me and my family.
“It’s disappointing and frustrating, but I will be back. I love racing and this is my first major injury since 2016 so I have had a pretty good run. I will do the full rehab and come back when I’m 100% ready to go,” Clout said.
Despite being in the racing game for more than 40 years, days like this are never easy for Yamaha team owner Craig Dack.
“Sport always has a way of bringing you back to earth and it’s hard not to feel the emotions of the day when you see how much effort the riders and their team puts in.
“Luke has been riding extremely well and was in good shape to retain his championship so it’s heart-breaking for him and his family for this to happen but I’m sure he will be back and he will be ready to unleash some serious frustration when he returns.
“I also want to commend the job RACESAFE do at our events. They have been nothing but amazing to deal with and happy to assist at every level to get Luke the help he requires,” Dack said.
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MX1 results – round two:
1st Kyle Webster – 47
2nd Dean Ferris – 41
3rd Todd Waters- 38
4th Aaron Tanti – 37
5th Kirk Gibbs – 35
6th Brett Metcalfe – 34
7th Jayden Rykers – 28
8th Lochie Latimer – 25
9th Caleb Ward – 22
10th Hayden Mellross – 22
MX1 championship standings after round two:
1st Kyle Webster – 85
2nd Aaron Tanti – 79
3rd Todd Waters – 76
4th Kirk Gibbs – 67
5th Brett Metcalfe – 65
6th Dean Ferris – 57
7th Jayden Rykers – 53
8th Luke Clout – 50
9th Hayden Mellross – 47
10th Lochie Latimer – 43