Australian two-wheel ace Chad Reed will miss the rest of the American Supercross season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
The 31-year-old confirmed on Thursday morning (AEDT) he will sit out the remaining 10 rounds of the indoor series, following a serious crash in San Diego on February 8.
Reed suffered three broken bones - scapula, collarbone and T1 vertebrae - in the last-lap racing accident.
But sitting just two points shy of the championship lead with two wins from five races, he pushed on to compete at last weekend's round in Texas - only to withdraw with a dislocated shoulder while on a practice run for qualifying.
Reed returned to California on Monday to have surgery on his injuries.
"#hurting ... but I'm on the backside of getting back to 100%. Thanks for all the love&support" the New South Welshman tweeted from his hospital bed.
American Dean Wilson will take his place aboard TwoTwo Motorsports' Kawasaki, with Reed set to return in May for the 2014 outdoor motocross championship.
"I'm ready to heal up and get back into training and focus my time and energy on getting ready for outdoors," Reed said.
"This is our first chance to see how it goes with another rider in the mix.
"Not only is Dean a good friend, but is also somebody who I respect for his talent.
"I'm excited for the chance to work with him and not dwell on the fact that I'm out of the championship. I'm excited to put a headset on and go to the races as team owner and try to see what we can do and have fun with Deano."
The news is a massive blow for Reed, who was enjoying a remarkable comeback from a serious knee injury that cut short his past two Supercross campaigns.
The latest setback is reminiscent of an incident in February 2012, in which he suffered multiple injuries - including a torn anterior cruciate ligament - in Dallas.
Reed, from Kurri Kurri in NSW, won the series in 2008.
