Image: Supplied.

Ongoing shoulder complications have sidelined Dean Wilson ahead of the World Supercross Championship (WSX) final round this Wednesday, with Fire Power Honda instead taking Aaron Tanti to Abu Dhabi.

Wilson was injured in a clash with Vince Friese (MotoConcepts Honda) in Perth and, despite being able to line up in Melbourne for the AUSX Open and finish on the podium, will sit out WSX round four.

It was a determined effort from Wilson in attempting to defend his Australian SX1 championship – in which he did enough to still seal second overall behind teammate Joey Savatgy – but a torn labrum in his left shoulder requires time on the sidelines. He isn’t intending on having surgery at this point.

“People might have seen me race over the weekend, but it was tough,” Wilson said in a team statement. “I have no strength in my shoulder, it’s full of fluid, and it popped out again. Anyone who’s dealt with a shoulder injury knows there’s no stability when it’s like this. I have to be smart – I still have a long future ahead.”

Tanti will be drafted in after finishing fifth in the Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX) with Yarrive Konsky’s Boost Mobile Honda Racing team. It’s expected he will return to Australia full-time in 2025 after splitting his time between America and Canada for much of this season.

“Dean is a fierce competitor who loves racing, so it’s devastating for him to sit out,” Konsky said. “What Vince did is absolutely unacceptable – his blatant disregard for other riders is appalling and sets a terrible example, especially for young fans watching. I want to thank Aaron for stepping in on such short notice, he’s a talented rider, and a true professional.”