Image: Supplied.

A rare heart condition will sideline BarX Chaparral Suzuki rider Derek Drake indefinitely as he undergoes surgery to aid in his recovery and healing process.

Announcing the decision ahead of round four of the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season, the 21-year-old revealed he’s been dealing with the condition throughout his life.

After a successful career in the amateur ranks, Drake turned pro in 2019, notching top 10s in both Pro Motocross and Supercross. His condition, however, has been a factor as he trains and races at the pro level.

“Since I can remember I’ve had to manage and live with a rare heart condition,” Drake explained. “I never knew this condition would affect me so much when it came to my fitness and health as a pro athlete.

“The last 2 years Ive been training and suffering everyday and I’ve been getting no where I just thought I needed to train harder, and I just buried myself.”

“In amateurs I could get by because the longest motos we had to do were 20 minutes at [Loretta Lynn’s]. But as a pro athlete It’s holding me back from getting to the level of fitness I know I need to train at and be consistent with.”

Drake has elected to have surgery this month, with hopes of returning to the track after some time off for recovery.

“I decided to put my health first and this month I plan to undergo heart surgery in hopes that I can move forward with ease and heal my body properly,” he continued. “I am taking some time off to get better and I will be back.”