Image: Jeff Crow.

Nick Sutherland will make a surprise appearance with Raceline Pirelli Suzuki at this weekend’s final round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals in MX2 as Geran Stapleton and Dylan Wilson return to the sidelines.

Stapleton and Wilson have been struck by injuries in the latter stages of the season, officially ruled out of the finals after a strong showing at Gladstone one week ago.

After starting the season with Craig Anderson’s Husqvarna Motocross Racing Team, Sutherland will return from injury himself to climb aboard an RM-Z250 in the final round.

“I got the call that Geran and Dylan were both out and they were looking to put someone on for this weekend,” Sutherland said. “Obviously I jumped at the opportunity – I’ve been hanging to get back to racing.

“I hurt myself on the Tuesday after round five at Wanneroo and I’ve been off the bike ever since. I actually only just had my first ride on Wednesday this week.

“I’m really excited for this weekend – I won a Queensland title here earlier in the year, so I’m feeling pretty good. Even though I haven’t had a lot of bike time, I’m definitely keen to get back out there and see what I’ve got.”

Husqvarna will continue without an MX2 rider on track at Coolum, fielding Brad Groombridge in MX1 and title favourite Egan Mastin in MXD following a series of late-season shuffles.