Image: Supplied.

The Monster Energy Supercross return of Australia’s Hayden Mellross was cut short at Glendale after right ankle damage sustained in a 450SX qualifying crash forced him to the sidelines.

Mellross ventured to the US with intentions to compete in the remaining rounds of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross Championship from Glendale, and was pushing to transfer directly from qualifying into the Triple Crown at State Farm Stadium when disaster struck.

“Unfortunately, I made a little mistake in a rhythm section in qualifying which has resulted in a bit of damage to my right ankle,” said Mellross. “I was riding well for my first event back and was only 0.8 of a second off making it straight through from qualifying. I was pushing hard to achieve that however I’m very disappointed in myself as this was just a straight-up little mistake I made.

“I just wanted to thank everyone that supports me and continues to support me. You all made this trip a possibility and I’m very grateful for that. I don’t have much for to say in regards to my injury as it’s been quite a complicated few procedures. We are on the mend now and I’ll be doing everything I can to get healthy and strong again so I can come back to the USA for a ‘redo’! I owe that to myself and my supporters so let’s make it happen!”

Mellross has previous experience racing in the US, and prior to Glendale last competed in the AMA in 2018 onboard a YZ250F. He competed onboard a KTM 450 SX-F at Glendale and it now remains unclear as to when he will make his next competitive outing.