Source: Supplied.

Following a promising lead up to the main event at Indianapolis’ 12th round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, Australian Hayden Mellross was forced to accept an early retirement after dislocating his shoulder.

In what was the first 250SX East-West Showdown of the series, Mellross transferred directly to the main with a seventh place finish in his heat, however his night unravelled in the 21-lap affair when his shoulder popped out in the challenging whoop section.

“Tonight wasn’t exactly the night I had in mind,” Mellross commented. “Unfortunately, in the main I got kicked hard in the whoops and the bike got totally sideways. I didn’t go down but my shoulder ended up popping out of the socket. There’s no way I could’ve kept going and I’m very grateful for the medical team for their help.”

The 51Fifty Energy Drink Yamaha rider suggested he’ll visit specialists this week to further evaluate the injury, however he’s adamant a small number of days off the bike will be enough to continue on throughout the remaining rounds of the championship.

Mellross sits 10th in 250SX West championship standings as just three rounds remain, with his next appearance scheduled for 7 April at Seattle, should he recover from the shoulder injury.