Former MSA Supernational Rallycross Champion Stuart Emery has been forced out of challenging for the 2016 category title through injury.

Emery will miss at least the next round of British RX at Maasmechelen in Belgium, and may not race his Peugeot 206 Supernational car again until the final round of the championship at Croft, in October, following a cycling accident at the start of June. “In an effort to keep up with the young guys who come out and race, last year I took up road cycling to get fitter. On the fourthof June I went out for a practice ride ahead of a charity ride we were doing the following week,” said Emery. “It was a new route for me. I came into a corner and there was a load of gravel in the middle of the road, which is quite ironic considering that we race on gravel in rallycross. Rather than letting the bike slide away I tried to stand it back up again, which I succeeded in doing but I hit the bank on the outside which flipped me up in the air and I came straight down on my head and shoulder.”

Emery sustained a broken collarbone, three broken ribs and a punctured lung in the accident, and endured a four-day stay in hospital. “They told me it will probably be about 12 weeks to heal, but my collar bone is beginning to set not straight which may restrict my movement, so that needs to be addressed before I can race again.”

The Kent-based driver is determined to compete again this season. “I’m desperate to race at Lydden, my home event, but I think the odds for that are very, very long at the moment. Realistically if I can come out later this year, I’d love to do the Grand Prix weekend (at Croft). I’ve always wanted to be top two-wheel drive car at the Grand Prix and I think we have the pace in the car to do that now. Now it’s down to whether my health will allow it. I’m very gutted, but we will be fighting fit for next season. I wish everyone well racing in Belgium and look forward to being back as soon as I can.”

The Supernational table is headed by Tony Lynch at the half point of the season, three points ahead of Paige Bellerby.

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