Image: Foremost Media.

A recent thumb injury for the returning Regan Duffy in the pre-season has limited his preparation ahead of the 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship, only back on the bike for the past few weeks.

The GasGas Racing Team signing has overcome multiple hurdles in his return to national competition following life-threatening injuries sustained in October 2021.

Despite a broken thumb sustained during the pre-season that has largely kept Duffy off the bike, the 20-year-old enters the upcoming campaign eager to line-up as he makes a welcome comeback to national motocross following a hiatus of over 500 days.

“Honestly, it’s been a tough pre-season for me,” the Western Australian admitted. “I started the year getting some good bike time and I was feeling good and getting to a good place mentally and physically, but unfortunately, I had a crash and broke my thumb and had to get surgery, which sidelined me for about six weeks.

“I’ve been on the bike for about three weeks now and I’ve been slowly building back. I had another crash last week practicing and hurt the same arm a little – nothing drastic, but it hasn’t been the best pre-season I’ve had. In saying that, I’m stoked to get back to the races and I worked out it will have been 504 days between races for me!

“I’m back with a crew of familiar faces and a new mechanic, and we get along great. The aim is to get through round one safe and do my best, I’ll definitely give it all I’ve got because I’m not someone who rolls over easy, so I can’t wait to get back to races and see everyone.”

On debut in the premier class back in 2021, Duffy won the Wonthaggi MX1 season-opener on that occasion and is based in the region, training as part of the Victoria-based Beaton’s Pro Formula program.