Team Green today announced the Arenacross replacement rider for injured Brit Tommy Searle.
Hugo Basaula from Portugal joins Team Green Kawasaki this weekend in Manchester for the opening round of the Arenacross Tour and will be aboard the KX450F for the entire series.
Basaula replaces the injured Tommy Searle, who’s recent practice crash in California left the British champion needing surgery on his knee. The estimated recovery period of six weeks means the Team Green needed to draft a replacement for the entire Tour.
“It’s a harsh fact that motocross practice cannot be half-hearted,” said Searle. It’s as demanding and risk prone as racing itself. I have some great medical, dietary and physiotherapy professionals to call on. I’m gutted to have missed out on the Arenacross Tour as it kicks off this weekend and I was really looking forward to that and being a part of the whole show. Now it’s just a case of focussing all my thoughts and energy on a swift recovery. I’ll know more in a few weeks.”
“It was obviously very disappointing to lose Tommy at this late stage, and I wish him a speedy recovery,” said Team Green Kawasaki Racing Co-ordinator Ross Burridge.
Although Basaula lacks any AX experience, he’s not lacking in confidence, declaring himself ready to “battle at the front” of the series. However, Basaula does have European supercross experience and Burridge is “excited to see what Hugo is capable of” when the gates drop in Manchester.
The first round of the Arenacross Tour is this Saturday (January 7) at Manchester Arena. The Series will also visit Glasgow, Birmingham, Belfast and Sheffield throughout January and February, before the finale in London (18 February). Keep it locked to Dirt Bike Rider for more news and exclusive AX videos. Ticket info available here: www.arenacrossuk.com
