Image: Jeff Crow.

North Queensland privateer Wade Hunter has been sidelined for the remaining rounds of the 2014 Monster Energy MX Nationals after sustaining a knee injury during the current mid-season break.

Hunter had previously been recovering from wrist and hand injuries from round three, however double knee surgery will force him out of the final five rounds.

“I’m bummed to miss out on the last half of the season as I really believe I had the speed and fitness to win this year, but it’s one of those things that had to be done,” 20-year-old Hunter said.

After impressing during the opening rounds as one of the rare four-stroke privateers in the MX2 field, Hunter’s hoping that his top five form will put him on the radar as he casts his attention to 2015.

“I will have plenty of time on the bike before the 2015 season and that is what I am focused on at the moment. I think I have a good shot at the MX2 title next year and even though I short-lived the season this year, I hope I showed enough for someone to give me a shot at it next year.”

Hunter’s best overall finish of the season came at Broadford’s opener in sixth, followed up by a seventh at Appin’s second round. He sits 10th in the MX2 category at the halfway point.