Image: Greg Smith.

GYTR Yamaha MXD rookie Mitch Evans had a disastrous start to his MX Nationals career at Horsham on Sunday, fracturing his left wrist in an incident during the opening lap of moto one while leading.

Evans, 16, set the benchmark in qualifying on board his YZ250F and led the first moto out of the gates, however a costly minor mistake resulted in a DNF and he’s now unlikely to line up at Appin’s second round next weekend.

“I’m devastated,” said Evans. “I got a great start and secured the lead, but after I jumped the tabletop in the centre of the track, I tried to switch lines to avoid a big bump in one of the ruts. The front wheel went into the rut but the rear didn’t and it kicked my sideways and spat me off.

“There is a small fracture in my left wrist that requires no surgery – I just have a splint for it and all it needs is some time for it to stabilize. I will do whatever I can to get back on the track as fast as possible.

“The team were great and I just want to get back on the track and race for them as they have been a huge support to me and my bike is amazing.”

Evans will likely miss round two at Appin, but doctors are hopeful to have him back on the track by round three of the championship at Broadford.