DOYLE SIDELINED FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS

Aussie icon Jason Doyle has confirmed he faces four to six months on the sidelines as he undergoes shoulder surgery on Tuesday.

The 2017 Speedway GP World Champion crashed out of British club Ipswich’s Rowe Motor Oil Premiership match at King’s Lynn on Thursday, May 23, clearing the safety fence and suffering four broken ribs and a lung contusion.

After undergoing further checks on his shoulder in Britain and Poland, it was discovered Doyle had suffered a torn rotator cuff and tendon damage, with the Norfolk-based racer set to undergo surgery to fix this on Tuesday.

With the Newcastle-born ace set to spend at least four months out of action, this comes as a cruel blow to a rider who dropped just two championship points from a possible 40 in the opening two rounds, topping the podium in Warsaw and finishing second in Prague.

Posting the news on his Instagram page, Doyle, who won the 2017 Speedway GP title while racing with a broken foot for half a season, revealed the extent of injuries even Speedway GP’s man of steel is unable to race with. But he pledged to fight back as he begins his treatment.

He wrote: “Just to let people know what has been happening and what is going to happen. Sorry I have been so quiet regarding my injuries. I needed some time to sort this situation out.

“Firstly, most of you will be aware I had a decent crash last week at Kings Lynn. I ended up joining the fans in the crowd. 

“I went straight to hospital, and they diagnosed me with four broken ribs and a lung contusion. I was in a bit of pain, so I just didn’t know what was wrong at that point in time. I felt like I was shattered. Guess you have this feeling when you land on concrete! 

“I told them about my left shoulder. They couldn’t see any breaks, but there was a weird feeling of numbness, and I knew this wasn’t right. 

“So, two days later I went for an MRI scan in Norwich to check the ligaments and tendons in the shoulder. The results came back on Wednesday and, me being stubborn, I didn’t want to believe what they came back to me with. 

“I hopped on a plane and went to Rehar Sports Clinic in Poznan yesterday and underwent more tests and scans where they once again told me that I have snapped two tendons and torn my rotator cuff, and it needs immediate treatment.

“Now normally, I would ride with broken bones and injuries, but this one I can’t get out of. I have no strength and I can’t wait until the end of the season to get it sorted. I must have it repaired fast or it will have long term consequences and I won’t lift a beer when I retire. 

“I’m sorry I have to give you all this news, I’m devastated!! But life still goes on! I’m safe and healthy and there are way sadder things in life going on in this world. I am lucky I can spend time now with my family. My little baby girl and my wife.

“My operation is booked in for Tuesdays to repair and fix the shoulder, and I hope this will stop all the pain I am having. The specialist has told me I will be out for four to six months. 

“I would like to thank my clubs Ipswich Witches, GKM Grudziadz and Outrup (Region Varde) and FIM Speedway Grand Prix for the short memories I have had this season! 

“This isn’t the end. I have loads more to give. I just need time to recover and repair for another crack at world-class speedway. I will be back. Thank you! And see you all around the tracks when I come to support the sport I love.”

Everyone involved in FIM Speedway wishes Jason a full and speedy recovery as he bids to deliver more magical moments like this