Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Honda Genuine Racing’s Jimmy Decotis will return to America following a concussion sustained at Toowoomba’s second round of the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship, with the supercross-only team naming former Australian MX2 champion Luke Clout as his replacement for the remainder of the series.

Decotis’ SX2 championship defence is effectively over following an agreement with the team to take all the time needed to ensure he makes a 100 percent recovery from the head injury.

“The team have been fantastic,” Decotis explained. “I couldn’t remember anything following the crash and I have been getting headaches. Head injuries can ruin careers and we decided that I should take as much time out as I need to recover and I need to thank the team for being so patient and understanding.”

Clout, who initially had a US deal in place for 2017, was notified last week that his team would be ceasing operations immediately, leaving him without a ride.

The opportunity couldn’t be more timely for the New South Welshman, who expressed his pleasure in joining the Honda Genuine Racing team and returning to Australian supercross.

“I am sorry to see Jimmy get hurt and I hope he recovers quickly,” said Clout. “I want to thank the team for giving me this opportunity. I am so happy to be racing again and I look forward to lining up in Adelaide next week for round three of the Australian Supercross Championship.”