Image: Jeff Crow.

Penrite Honda Racing’s Cody Cooper has confirmed that a knee injury sustained in the Murray Bridge round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals will rule him out of the season’s second half.

After clinching the New Zealand championship in the pre-season, Cooper has had a disastrous MX Nationals campaign to date. A facial injury in Broadford’s practice session saw him miss the opening two rounds, before he returned for Wonthaggi and Murray Bridge.

Cooper was regaining peak form in South Australia with second in moto one, but a collision in the second moto paid end to his promising return. It’s since been made official he’s out for the season’s remaining rounds.

“The MRI has revealed a ruptured ACL in the right knee,” Cooper explained. “I will be under going Surgery on the 13th of June. This is my first major injury where I have had to sit out an entire season.

“It’s an unfortunate setback to what I expected to be a very strong 2014 season – it just goes to show things don’t always play out as you think despite the best made plans.

“My disappointment also extends to Yarrive [Konsky] and the Penrite Honda team, who I know have put so much work in preparing for race day, and to not be able to reward them with the results they deserve is gutting to say the least.

“At this point it’s unknown when I will be back on the bike. Again I’d like to thank you to Penrite Honda Racing and all our sponsors for there on going support.”

Penrite Honda had former world champion Ben Townley on the bike at Wanneroo in a surprise guest appearance, however it’s understood he’s yet to commit to further rounds or a full time racing return.