Image: Octopi Media.

Colt Nichols will be on the sidelines with a lingering shoulder injury as the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship returns to action for round eight this weekend at Unadilla.

Nichols sustained a minor shoulder injury in a crash during round eight of the championship in Washougal. With a three-week break in the action and cleared of any serious injury, Nichols thought a return at Unadilla was possible.

Unfortunately, the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha rider took to the track to test out his shoulder this week and has withdrawn from this Saturday’s race.

“I was able to get back on the bike this week and give the shoulder a test, Nichols explained. “Unfortunately, it just isn’t strong enough and we’re going to have to sit Unadilla out this weekend.

“Not the news I was hoping to give, but going to keep working with the plan of returning at Budds Creek.”

On the heels of winning the 2021 250SX East championship, Nichols’ 2021 Pro Motocross campaign has seen highs and lows. Able to crack the top five in just three of the seven rounds, his best finish being fourth at High Point in June.