Image: Octopi Media.

A head-knock in the first qualifying session at Daytona sidelined 450SX rookie Colt Nichols for the remainder of Monster Energy Supercross round eight, but the Team Honda HRC rider has vowed to rebound after a ‘rough few weeks’.

The former 250SX East champion landed a prized opportunity to step up to the premier class with the factory Honda outfit, however, is currently on a Supercross-only contract for this year.

Nichols made an impressive 450SX debut at Anaheim 1 to finish in sixth position but has since been unable to replicate such result, ninth in Oakland’s main his next best overall. That said, the number 45 entered Daytona 10th in the 450SX standings, just six points from leading rookie Christian Craig (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) before disaster struck in qualifying and he hit his head in a crash, ultimately ruling himself out for the rest of the event.

“It was a tough day at work in Daytona,” Nichols explained. “I took a hit in Q1 and landed on my noggin pretty good. The team and I decided it would be best to sit out the rest of the day and get myself right. Thank you to my team and the people in my corner. It’s been a rough few weeks, but I’ll be back.”

Following his competitive absence from Daytona’s night show, it has not yet been officially confirmed whether Nichols will take to the gate this Saturday in Indianapolis.