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.
 

Stroupe at the 2007 season-ending Glen Helen National. photo: Simon Cudby

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.