Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner is set for his first gate drop in over six months, with a 250MX return confirmed for the Spring Creek National this Saturday.

Forkner was involved in a start-straight incident during Anaheim’s season-opening 250SX West main event in January, with a right knee injury sustained in the fall ruling him out of the remainder of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross Championship.

The number 55 was also absent from the first six rounds of this year’s Pro Motocross Championship as he continued to recover and regain strength, now set to join teammates Jo Shimoda, Seth Hammaker and Ryder DiFrancesco at round seven at Millville.

“We’re hoping the weather holds off for us at Millville,” Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team manager Iain Southwell said. “We’ve got a different rider line-up this week with Austin making his return to racing.

“He has been looking great at the practice track the last couple of weeks and we’re excited to have him back racing. He will join Jo, Seth, and Ryder. Jett [Reynolds] is still getting better after not feeling well enough to race at Southwick and will sit out Millville.”

Despite missing a number of races throughout the season, Forkner still has the opportunity to gain valuable points in a bid to secure a position in the SuperMotocross World Championship playoffs.