News 23 Aug 2024

Extent of new MX1 champion Webster's hand damage revealed

Arriving in the US this week to begin MXoN preparations with the Lawrences.

Image: Foremost Media.

New national MX1 champion Kyle Webster has revealed the extent of his damaged hand he had to ride through in clinching the 2024 ProMX crown at Queensland Moto Park, still travelling to the US this week in preparation for the Motocross of Nations (MXoN).

Webster crashed awkwardly on Saturday at the outdoor decider, and then had to manage the pain – since confirmed to be a torn ligament without any major fractures – in a bid to hold onto his points advantage on Sunday afternoon.

The Boost Mobile Honda Racing rider managed to do what was required, eventually winning on countback after his 14-point lead was cut to zero. A gritty 3-5 results sheet for fourth overall enabled him to take home the title after rival Jed Beaton (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) went 1-1.

“I went and saw Steven Andrews on Monday, we got some scans done and it came back that I’d torn a ligament in my hand,” the 28-year-old told MotoOnline. “There were no major fractures or anything, but there were maybe a few little fragments or flakes of bone.

“So it’s not too bad, but that’s obviously why it blew up so much and got so swollen, but from what I gather, the actual issue was the swelling pressing against my nerves and making my hand numb on race day. Even still, some of my fingers are a little numb, but they’re not as bad as race day.

“I don’t think it’s going to be very long, it’s just going to be a matter of letting the swelling come down so it can relax those nerves and get the blood flowing back into my hand. My plan hasn’t really changed, we’re going to go watch Ironman this weekend, then I’ll continue rehabbing out of Jett and Hunter’s facility until it’s time to get on the bike.”

After attending this weekend’s final round of the American Pro Motocross Championship, Webster will arrive in Florida to begin his MXoN preparations alongside Lawrence brothers, Hunter and Jett, who are targeting Team Australia’s first-ever victory in the international teams event set for Matterley Basin in the UK on October 4-6.

Speculation has suggested that Webster had been in line to enter Ironman Raceway’s AMA finale in the 250MX class as part of Team Honda HRC – effectively as a replacement for injured regular Jo Shimoda – in the build-up to the Nations, where he’s understood to be receiving factory support. His injury has halted the chances of that US opportunity eventuating.

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