Husqvarna’s two US Supercross champs, Jason Anderson and Zach Osborne, are out of action for the Nationals as Osborne has hurt his shoulder. Former British champ Zach is out for the remainder of the  seasonafter a first turn pile-up during the start of Moto Two at the Thunder Valley National at the weekend in Lakewood, Colorado. He sustained a shoulder injury, torn labrum, which will require surgery. Recovery time needed extends past the current 2018 motocross season.

It comes just after Jason Anderson broke his foot in a practice crash at Glen Helen, and Dean Wilson is also out for the season with yet another knee injury. Phil Nicoletti will be filling in aboard the FC 450 Rockstar Edition, for the remainder of the Pro Motocross season. Nicoletti comes to the team with 30 top-ten finishes in his Pro Motocross racing career.

Zach Osborne: “I am extremely bummed to say the least. This fourth consecutive championship aboard the FC 250 was one that I wanted bad. It’s almost surreal that it has come to an end, but I know everything happens for a reason. I’ll use this time to prepare mentally and physically for the challenge of my first year in the 450 class. I am excited to get my recovery started and move onto the next step of my career!”

Phil Nicoletti: “I am happy to have the opportunity to finish out the Pro Motocross season with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team. I look forward to getting on the bike and showing everyone what I have. Thank you to everyone backing me, see you at the High Point National!”

Bobby Hewitt, Team Manager: “It has been a devastating week for all of us here on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team. Losing Zach for the remainder of the season is unfortunate but he will be back, just as strong as ever. We are excited to have Phil for the rest of the Pro Motocross races and know he will mesh well with the team.”