Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki stand-in rider Darian Sanayei has been ruled out of the second half of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross after opting to undergo shoulder surgery.

Sanayei has been struggling with his shoulder since dislocating it at Loretta Lynn’s 1, sitting out the following rounds and then returning for the RedBud double-header.

“My shoulder hasn’t gotten any better and is just in too rough of shape to continue racing without getting it fixed,” Sanayei said. “I tried my best to race with it last weekend at RedBud and did all I could, but the issues I’m having are not ones that heal on their own.

“So, we have decided I will be getting surgery on it, so I can get back in time for next year. Tough decision to make when I have this amazing ride, but if I can not ride at 100 percent it doesn’t do myself or the team any good. I want to thank the whole Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team for the opportunity and all of the sponsors and people that helped out.”

Sanayei scored a season-best of 10th in the opening moto at RedBud 1 for 14th overall, but he will now get his shoulder fixed and set his sights on next season. That will leave Cameron McAdoo and Mitchell Harrison at Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki.