Austin Stroupe Injured

Following one of the most dominate team efforts in
motocross history, bad luck seems to have finally befallen
the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki team. Two team
riders have suffered broken collarbones in the past two
weeks. Barely a week removed from the announcement
that two-time defending AMA Toyota Motocross Lites
champion Ryan Villopoto's shoulder injury comes news of
their hot rookie prospect, Austin Stroupe, suffering a
clavicle injury at Lake Elsinore this past Saturday night.

Racer X contacted Austin's father, Todd, who confirmed
the injury. "Yeah, he lost the front wheel in a corner
before a small jump and just lost it. Nothing too major,
just kind of slammed him down real quick. He is off to the
doctor today and will have surgery and get a plate put on
it, then be out probably be out four weeks or so."

Besides Villopoto and Stroupe, Ben Townley wrenched his
shoulder at the Motocross of Nations last month and sat
out the race; he will be riding a factory Honda next time
we see him. But one month before that, Christophe
Pourcel, who was set to join the team this fall, separated
his hip in a crash over in Europe, complicating where the
team will assign riders--West or East--for the 2008 AMA
Supercross tour.

Here's to wishing a full and speedy recovery for Austin
and a little good for the rest of the boys at Monster
Energy/Pro Circuit squad. racerxill.com

Austin Stroupe at Glen Helen - tedescophoto.com