Image: Octopi Media.

Privateer standout Ty Masterpool was ruled out of the 11th round of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship at Ironman, suffering race-day appendicitis the morning of the final motos.

Despite the pain, he pushed through to qualify sixth fastest in the first session before medical evaluation revealed a high chance of appendicitis, with a trip soon after to the hospital confirming that to be the case.

“Crazy morning,” Masterpool shared. “Woke up with some stomach pains but just pushed through it and did the first qualifier, qualified sixth but only got like one good lap in.

“Went to Dr. Bodnar at the race and he said he’s 80 percent sure that I have appendicitis, so I had to go straight to the hospital and got a CAT scan and he was right. Tried everything possible to race, but they said no.

“Just a really freak situation and totally bad timing, I didn’t crash or anything just woke up with it. Really bummed, we got the feeling we’ve been wanting from the suspension all season and got the PC [Pro Circuit] engine, the bike was feeling better than ever and was really looking forward to today, felt like we had that podium. Thank you everyone for reaching out and for your concerns. I’ll keep you guys updated as of now looks like minor surgery.”

Making the step to 450MX at Thunder Valley with HBI Racing, Kawasaki-mounted Masterpool has been a revelation throughout the 2023 outdoors, challenging and besting factory riders throughout the year with a best race result of fourth in Thunder Valley in moto two. Despite competing in 250MX for the season opener, and missing the Ironman motos, Masterpool concluded the championship seventh in the 450MX standings.