Unfortunately there was no dream return to racing, as Elliott Banks-Browne endured a tough day on his comeback at the fifth round of the 2014 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship held at Skelder Bank near Whitby.
Despite being out of action for over two months due to the complicated injury to his right shoulder that required two operations, the Buildbase Honda rider had high hopes of delivering a strong showing on a circuit that he likes and has done well on in the past.
Heavy rain overnight and again early on the morning of racing meant conditions out on the hillside track were heavy and difficult, which immediately was not to Elliott’s liking given that he could not afford to crash on his shoulder that is not back to full strength just yet. Even with better weather overhead the two-time national champion struggled during qualifying and ended up missing out on claiming a place in the superpole session.
Even with not the best pick of gates EBB44 was soon back in the mix during the opening race and was running as high as fourth spot when he and his Buildbase Honda team-mate Brad Anderson had an unfortunate coming together that left them both down on the deck. Down, but not out Elliott rode himself back into the top 10 to claim a well deserved eighth spot come the flag.
Banks-Browne’s tale of woe continued in race two as this time he crashed heavily after having had to switch his line to avoid another rider who had got out of shape as he approached one of the many jumps on the now drying track. This time EBB44 went down hard on his injured right shoulder and although he picked himself up and tried to continue, he simply was in too much pain to finish the race.
Although still suffering the effects of his heavy landing on his right shoulder Elliott bravely took to the line for the final race of the day, which got underway immediately after another heavy rain shower. With conditions extremely slippery and potentially dangerous, EBB44 decided the risk to him and other riders was too much for him to continue past the opening lap of the closing race – recording his second DNF of the meeting.
Elliott will now continue with his rehabilitation in an attempt to be in a stronger position when he is back in action in the series on July 20 at FatCat.
“I really hoped to make a strong return to racing, but in the end it has turned out to be a disaster,” said Elliott. “I was going well in the first race until I went down and when I crashed in the second race I landed on my injured shoulder. That ruled me out of that race and also the final race of the day too. The plan now is to forget about today and to work even harder to be back in the frame at FatCat Motoparc next month.”
