Jake Shipton faces a battle to recover from a back injury he picked up at the weekend in the run up to Sunday’s Maxxis British championship at Blaxhall Pits.

This weekend saw Sherwood park play host to round 4 of the MX Nationals. Jake had a hesitant start to the day after sustaining an injury the day before in free practice, meaning he was already in quite a bit of pain and discomfort. This soon became apparent when he was only able to secure 11th place during qualifying.

Following treatment, taping and pain relief Jake lined up for race 1, exiting the first corner in 9th, quickly working up to 6th and pushing for 4th. Unfortunately, he landed awkwardly from a jump in lap 2 aggravating his injury. Although he bravely got back onto the bike and tried to catch up with the rest of the field, Jake eventually succumbed to the pain and was forced to retire for the day.

Jake did show great speed however and still managed to secure the 3rd quickest lap time. He will spend the next week resting up and recovering ready for his next race this Sunday for round 6 of the MAXXIS British Championships at Blaxhall.

Jake Shipton said: “Tough day on the track today. After sustaining an injury to my back during free practice, I was hoping that some treatment would do the trick, however I landed awkwardly from a jump during the first race and that just exasperated the situation and I was forced to retire for the day which I was gutted about because I was actually showing good speed and had great lap times. I now have a week to recover and come out swinging at Blaxhall for the British Championship this week.”

Team boss Rob Hooper said: “I am so disappointed for Jake, he has put so much work and effort into this season, but has had setbacks which have stopped him from showing his true speed and form. I hope that we will have a fully fit and healthy Jake back on the bike for next Sunday’s British Championship round. I know he can deliver the results.”