Suzukis Hurley to race against odds

by Dave · July 19, 2007

Despite breaking his collarbone just ten days ago, Team Shift Motul Suzuki rider, Daryl Hurley is aiming to race in round eight of the Australian Motocross Championship at Wonthaggi (VIC), this weekend.Having sustained the injury while racing in New Zealand on Sunday 8 July and virtually written-off from competition, Hurley is set to defy the odds and race at Wonthaggi.

After surgery just two days ago (Monday 16 July), in which his collarbone was plated, Hurley is aiming to compete aboard his Suzuki RM-Z450 in round eight. Currently second in the Pro Open Class, the 2005 Australian Motocross Champion will be out to collect valuable championship points.

“I was riding with Suzuki in New Zealand to stay race-fit, but an injury certainly isn’t what I was planning on,” Daryl Hurley said. “I don’t expect to be up there going for the win; the goal this weekend is just to get out there and get as many points as possible to stay in championship contention.”

With just three rounds remaining, Hurley trails Daniel Reardon by 37 points with 150 still up for grabs, and the New Zealander knows that any points scored at Wonthaggi could make the difference at the season’s end.

“Anything can happen in the closing stages of a championship,” Hurley said.“By the time we get to Lakes (NSW) and Coolum (QLD) for the final two rounds, I should be back to full fitness, and I want to make sure I’m still in a position to challenge for the lead when we get there.”