Michael Byrne's stunning start at Unadilla, where he holeshot and led much of the first moto, came to a sad premature conclusion when he twisted his leg badly and dropped out of the rest.

It now appears the BTOSports.com Suzuki suffered a lateral tibial plateau fracture, which takes about eight weeks to heal. According to team owner Forest Butler, Byrne is headed to Dr. Steve Augustine's clinic in Jacksonville to determine if the damage is limited to that break, and hopefully does not include any ligament damage to the ankle or knee.

The veteran Byrne led for 10 of 16 laps before injuring himself in a rutted, sweeping corner. He immediately pulled off and waited for the Asterisk Mobile Medics to attend to him.

We will have further news as soon as it becomes available from the team.