Slaw Dog
The Monster Energy/Yamaha Star Racing team is dealing with a host of injuries at the moment. Luckily they have 200 riders, so they will still be well represented over the next few rounds.
As we reported yesterday, Levi Kitchen sustained a broken wrist while testing yesterday at the team’s training facility in Cairo, Georgia. He is set to undergo surgery this week and the team hopes he can return for the final four rounds of the championship.
In other 250 news, rookie Matt LeBlanc sustained a broken collarbone and injured his left arm in a crash in the second moto at last weekend’s Southwick National. He will undergo surgery to repair the broken collarbone and return as soon as possible.
In good news, the team announced that Colt Nichols, who has been out all season after breaking both his arms in Monster Energy Supercross, is expected to return at Unadilla.
Dylan Ferrandis returned to riding earlier this week for the first time since his surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. The defending Pro Motocross 450MX Champion injured his thumb riding during press day for the season opener in Pala, California, and is eager to return to action after being sidelined for six weeks. Ferrandis is expected to return at Unadilla.
Jensen Hendler – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager
“It’s definitely a bummer to lose Levi, especially since he was riding great and making progress each week, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. He’s going to have surgery tomorrow and hopes to be back for the last four rounds. We’re excited to have Colt back for Unadilla. He’s been working hard to get back to racing, and we can’t wait to see him out there. Matt also looks to return by Unadilla, so we’re looking to have our full roster back in action in New York.”
Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“It’s great to have Dylan back on the bike. Right now, he’s going easy and riding our turn track, but our goal is to have him back for the last four rounds of the outdoor season. We’re looking forward to seeing the No. 1 battling on track.”
Main image: Yamaha
