FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Austin Forkner will be sidelined for the remainder of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season following a collision at the opening round in Anaheim, Calif., on January 7.
Forkner was on track to battle for the 250SX Western Regional Championship when a collision during the start of the main event at Angel Stadium in Anaheim resulted in an injury to his right knee. After consultation with medical professionals, it was determined that the injury will force an early conclusion to Forkner’s 2023 Supercross efforts.
Forkner was off to an impressive start in the Supercross championship with the fastest 250SX qualification time and a come-from-behind podium performance in his heat race. After a full off-season of preparation with his team, Forkner was ready to contend.
“I felt great going into this year and was ready to challenge for the championship,” Forkner said. “I think my qualifying and heat race speed proved that the preparation from the whole team was on par to win races. Unfortunately, I was involved in a racing incident during the start of the main event and injured my knee. This is definitely a frustrating situation, but I’m extremely motivated to focus on my recovery and I will get back to work with the team.”
“As we’ve seen from Austin throughout his career, he has the speed and mindset to compete at the highest level,” said Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team owner Mitch Payton. “Austin came into the season with the ultimate goal of winning a championship and we feel he had done the right work to make that a reality. This injury will delay that goal until Austin is healed up and ready to return to competition, but he has our continued support through this time and we look forward to going racing with him in the future.”
Further updates on Forkner’s expected return to racing will be announced when available.