Sam Martin’s Phillip Island podium came in his last appearance of 2013. Image: Grant Reynolds/FiftySix Clix.

Teenage revelation Sam Martin will undergo knee surgery next week, effectively ending his Terex Australian Supercross Championship campaign with a round remaining.

Fresh from securing a maiden SX-Open podium in Phillip Island’s penultimate round on Sunday, the 18-year-old has opted to go under the knife before the season’s out in a bid to regain 100 percent fitness for the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals.

“I’m scheduled for a knee reconstruction next week to get my ACL and MCL fixed,” Martin told MotoOnline.com.au. “We went and saw a doctor three or four months ago and he only had one opening left for next week, otherwise we’d have to wait another two months for the operation.

“As much as I’ve enjoyed the supercross, I’ve decided it’s best to leave on a high, go under the knife and get ready for the MX Nationals. If I waited another two months I wouldn’t be ready in time for the motocross season.”

It’s a further blow to the supercross series, which has seen many of its leading contenders sidelined through injury during the season (click here for further information).

Following a breakthrough seasons of sorts as a rookie in the premier class, Martin is on the radar for a factory seat in 2014 depending where the chips fall.

“I’ve been speaking to a couple of teams since Mount Gambier and they seemed interested and were happy with my results,” he added. “I haven’t spoken to them since the weekend, though. We’re just waiting for budgets to get sorted and see what comes up, but I haven’t had any contracts thrown my way.

“At the same time, I’d love to stay where I am, as I think this team has come a long way and I get on well with everyone. It’s all stuff to think about.”

Click here to read MotoOnline.com.au’s complete Race recap interview with Martin post-Phillip Island.