Dean Wilson's 250 Class title defence ended early at Hangtown. Image: Simon Cudby.

The opening Lucas Oil Pro Motocross round didn’t go to plan for Monster Energy Kawasaki riders Dean Wilson or Tyla Rattray, with both forced out of Hangtown without logging any moto finishes for the season.

Since Pro Circuit team rider Wilson injured his shoulder while racing in Seattle during the supercross season, he has been fighting significant pain in his shoulder to remain in the title hunt.

The Scotsman attempted to race Hangtown, but the pain became too much in moto one. He’ll now undergo surgery and skip the remainder of the season – aborting his 250 Class title defence in the process.

“I came off an okay start in the first moto and was working my way through the pack when my shoulder came out again,” said Wilson. “That was the last straw for me. I came to the realisation that I can’t wait to get this repaired properly.

“It’s just not worth it to be out there in pain battling for eighth place. I really want to be out there defending my title, so it was a bummer to have to pull out. I know this is something that I just have to take care of or it’s going to keep causing problems.

“I came to Hangtown hoping it would hold out, but now I know it clearly needs to get fixed. I’m hoping I can get this fixed quickly, heal up, and come back strong in 2013.”

After recently making the move to the 450 Class for Monster Energy Kawasaki, Rattray was looking to be a force in the premier class. However, in the first lap of moto one he sustained an injury to his hand and had to pull off the track.

“I was pretty disappointed about having to pull out of the race early,” said Rattray. “In the first moto I got a decent start and began making passes. I got around a few people then I got drilled in the hand with a rock.

“I tried to keep riding, but every time I pulled the clutch lever my hand was really hurting so I pulled off to get it checked out. I went to the Asterisk tent and when they X-rayed my hand they found a fracture in a bone behind my knuckle, kind of like a boxer’s fracture.

“I wasn’t able to continue racing and will go to the doctor Monday to find out the full prognosis.”

It’s expected that Rattray will now be forced to sit out a number of rounds as he recuperates.