Image: Foremost Media.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s defending Penrite ProMX MX1 national champion Luke Clout has confirmed he sustained a broken leg in Mackay, effectively ending his title hopes for 2022.

Clout, 27, won the opening round at Wonthaggi last month in convincing fashion, but crashed heavily at round two today and will be sidelined as a result.

In a short statement released on social media this afternoon, it was announced by Clout himself that he has fractures to the tibia and fibula bones in his leg. It’s a crushing outcome considering the limited amount of racing locally over the past two years.

“Absolutely devastated be writing this – was leading moto one and had a massive crash. I have broken my tib and fib and I will not able to defend what I believe was my championship,” Clout posted. “I am absolutely gutted… Thank you to my supporters, I love every one of you.”

After recording the fifth-fastest time in the Top 10 Shootout qualifying session, Clout led the opening laps on the opening premier class moto before disaster struck. Round winner Kyle Webster (Honda Racing) has since taken control of the red plate.