The fifth round of the British Superbike Championship at Knockhill was a disaster for Aussie Jason O'Halloran who was injured in a crash on the opening lap of the National Superstock 1000 Championship race.
O'Halloran was determined to secure his first victory of the season for HM Plant Honda, however his challenge was brought to an abrupt end when he crashed with several riders at the first turn on the opening lap. The heavy crash caused a red flag and the Australian was taken to the Queen Mary Hospital in Dunfermline.
Examination discovered that Jason suffered some internal injuries, resulting in an operation being necessary to remove his spleen on Sunday evening.
He further has damage and swelling to his left kidney although doctors hope the bruising will subside on its own, and the next few days will determine any further course of action that may need to be taken.
The young Aussie also sustained a broken left leg just above his ankle and will undergo surgery later in the week to pin this.
Team Manger Havier Beltran said, "Obviously it is hugely unfortunate for Jason to have been injured in the Superstock race and he will now have a period of recovery before being back racing with the team. It was all starting to come together for him ahead of the race and everyone at HM Plant Honda and Honda (UK) wishes him a speedy recovery from his injuries."