Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Seth Hammaker has been sidelined ahead of San Diego following an incident while practicing this week.

After going 2-3 in the opening rounds of the season, 21-year-old Hammaker had established himself as a front-runner in the series, but will now be out for coming rounds.

“I hate to post this news, but unfortunately this week I had a practice crash getting ready for San Diego,” Hammaker confirmed. “Grade three spleen laceration and compression, fractures in T7 and T8 in my back. I’m gutted, to say the least.

“The team and I have been working hard to bring our best every weekend. I appreciate there support through all of the good and bad! The main goal now is to heal up right and completely before we get back to racing – I will keep you all informed of how long I will be out as we know a little more. Thanks to everyone for the support I will be back better and stronger.”

It’s another hit to the 250SX West series of Monster Energy Supercross, with Colt Nichols (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) forced out at Anaheim 1 and Jalek Swoll (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) also missing Oakland, but expected to return tomorrow.