Down But Not Out as CDR Yamaha Vow to Fight On

Media Information: 12 April 2022

After experiencing a stunning start to the championship at the opening round in Wonthaggi just a few weeks ago, the tables quickly tuned on Sunday with Luke Clout going down in race one and sustaining a broken leg while leading the race.

To view the CDR Yamaha bLU cRU round recall: https://youtu.be/U6E5ckbUotw

Clout jumped out to an early lead and was just starting to increase his lead when he lost traction on a fast section of track resulting in the bike going sideways before flicking him to the dirt. Clout fell heavily and awkwardly and lay still on the track as the medical team rushed to his aid.

The on-track diagnosis was a suspected broke tibia and fibula in the lower leg and that was confirmed by the medical staff once X-Rayed. With the support of the RACESAFE team both at the track and then working with doctors behind the scenes, Luke had his leg realigned and placed in a supporting cast before flying back to Brisbane where he underwent surgery on Tuesday.

An update on Clout’s condition will be posted in the coming days but it is expected he will miss several rounds of the Pro MX as his focus will be on full rehabilitation from his injuries.

“I recall the whole thing but I’m not too sure how it happened. The rear of the bike stepped out and because of it being such a high-speed section of the track, the next thing I know I’m on the ground and my leg is in pain.

“I can’t thank the RACESAFE team enough for their support. Simon Maas and his team have gone above and beyond to look after me as have the CDR Yamaha team to make arrangements for myself and my family.

“It’s disappointing and frustrating but I will be back. I love racing and this is my first major injury since 2016 so I have had a pretty good run. I will do the full rehab and come back when I’m 100% ready to go,” Clout said. 

It was also an up and down day for teammate, Aaron Tanti. Tanti was in second place and saw Clout go down. He then inherited the lead and lead the premier MX1 class around for the next five laps. Kyle Webster found his way past at the half-way point but Tanti held firm for second and a good points haul.

Race two and Tanti was again in the thick of the action. He made his way to second place and was within striking distance of the race leader. As the laps ran down, Tanti tired to pile on the pressure but made a few mistakes of his own, losing a couple of positions before a crash on the final lap dropped him back to sixth place by race end. His 2-6 results left him in fourth for the day but maintaining his second place in the championship after two rounds.

“Race one I was happy and felt that even though I didn’t win the race, I was riding well and feeling good on the track. Race two and it was just in the final few minutes that I made a few mistakes and couldn’t get my flow back. I’m not sure if it was a fatigue thing, concentration or what exactly happened but it was disappointing way to finish the day.  

“The positive for the day is I’m still well placed in the championship, and I don’t believe I have hit my peak yet. The team did a great job again and I believe we will get on top of things for the coming rounds and aim for some race and round wins.

“Also a shout-out to Luke, I hope he is doing ok and wish him a quick and full recovery,” Tanti offers.

Despite being in the racing game for over 40 years, days like this are never easy for team owner, Craig Dack.

“Sport always has a way of bringing you back to earth and it’s hard not to feel the emotions of the day when you see how much effort the riders and them team put in. Luke has been riding extremely well and was in good shape to retain his championship so it’s heart-breaking for him and his family for this to happen but I’m sure he will be back and he will be ready to unleash some serious frustration when he returns.

“For Aaron, it was one good and one not so good moto but out of the four races we have done, his worst result has been a sixth and we think we are yet to see the best of him. He is gelling well with the team, and we believe he has what it takes to win a championship this year and he is only six points from the championship lead, so we will give him all the tools and attention he needs to get the job done.  

“I also want to commend the job RACESAFE do at our events. They have been nothing but amazing to deal with and happy to assist at every level to get Luke the help he requires,” Dack said.