Luke Hopkins was unable to compete in the World Supersport 300 race at Assen this weekend after breaking his collar bone in free practice.
The 15-year-old from Sittingbourne was setting a good pace when rain began to fall at the very end of the session. Unfortunately, Hopkins high-sided coming out of turn nine and landed heavily on his shoulder. The result was a broken right collar bone.
Initially treated at the track-side Hopkins was taken to the local hospital where a large plate was fitted to the bone.
Hopkins was able to leave the hospital the following day. Now back at home in Kent he will have to patiently wait around six weeks before be able to ride a motorbike again.
Luke Hopkins said, “I’m gutted. The weekend started really well. I was pleased with the times I was setting. Then at the end of the session some rain began to fall. It wasn’t on all of the track so it caught me out as I came through the De Bult curve. I just high-sided as I accelerated from the corner and the next I knew was there was a lot of pain in my right shoulder and I was in the gravel. I’d like to thank the marshals and medical staff at the circuit and the hospital for looking after me so well.”