Image: Foremost Media.

Current Penrite ProMX champion Luke Clout expects to be back on a bike in August, the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy rider recovering from a broken tibia and fibula sustained at the second round of the 2022 championship at Mackay.

Clout, 27, commenced this year’s ProMX with a perfect scorecard at Wonthaggi’s opener, before a heavy crash on the second lap of moto one at Gum Valley brought his title defence to a premature end.

With the final two rounds of the 2022 Penrite ProMX Championship taking place in mid-August, it leaves a tight turnaround for Clout to rebuild bike fitness if he were to compete in national motocross again this season.

“Never say never and I would expect to be back on a bike in August around the final rounds, but I don’t think I will be up to 100 percent, so it’s unlikely I will race,” Clout commented. “I’m a racer and I want to win so unless I feel that I’m back to speed and fitness, I won’t come back and just plan on being ready for the Australian Supercross Championship later in the year.

“I just left my six-week check-up and they are really happy with how it’s progressing. Structurally everything is aligned and well supported – I have been given the all-clear to start doing some exercises to strengthen and rebuild my leg muscles. I have just started walking on it and putting some weight through it and aside from jumping or running, the doctors say I can get back into the gym or the pool, so it’s positive news so far.

“I’m sure they will be some pain and niggles as I go through my rehab, but I just have to tolerate that as I regain strength. I have lost some leg muscle and general movement from it being in a cast and not being able to walk on it, but the plan at this stage is to do plenty of exercise and get strength into it for the next six weeks and then see if I can get back on a bike.”

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team owner Craig Dack revealed prior to Wodonga’s third round that an immediate fill-in for Clout was not the priority, instead focussing on Aaron Tanti and getting him settled into the title charge with options to possibly be explored after round four. The fourth round of 2022 ProMX takes place this Sunday at Gillman, South Australia.

Clout has signalled that he will likely turn his attention to the Australian Supercross Championship, which is schedule to commence in November, however, with CDR constantly linked to fielding a team in the FIM Supercross World Championship, it would make sense to have Clout as part of that roster in the months prior.