Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki rider expects to be healthy for Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross opener in San Bernardino

Irvine, Calif. (April 1, 2003) -- Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki's Ezra Lusk sustained an injury during Friday's practice session prior to the Houston Supercross last week that forced the 28-year-old from Bainbridge, Ga., to miss his first race in two years. After visiting a doctor in Tallahassee, Fla., on Monday, Lusk was diagnosed with a hairline fracture of the radius bone in his left wrist and is expected to be out of competition for four to six weeks.

Lusk had garnered six top-five finishes in the 2003 THQ AMA Supercross Series before the injury, including a win at the second round in Phoenix in January, his first victory in over three years and first aboard a Kawasaki. He currently sits in fifth place in the point standings.

"Ezra is a competitor, so I'm sure he wants to get back out there as soon as possible," said team manager Mark Johnson. "Unfortunately, injuries are a part of our sport and you have to give ample rest and rehabilitation in order to come back at 100-percent. We'll look forward to getting him back on the track in time for the start of the outdoor season."

The beginning of the Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship season is slated for Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif., on May 11. The doctor's prognosis for Lusk will have his wrist in a hard cast for the next two weeks, followed by two weeks in a soft cast to allow for limited movement. If all goes as scheduled, Lusk could begin riding roughly two weeks prior to the motocross season opener.