Preparing for the European Red Bull Race at Mill on Sunday 12 August, Rowson crashed heavily severely fracturing his left kneecap necessitating instant medical intervention and hospitalisation.

Following a scheduled operation after the initial assessment, the 23 year old Kawasaki rider is hoping to make a swift recovery and is optimistic that he may even be riding again for the team before season’s end.

The incident is doubly unfortunate as the team were expecting to be fully manned during August as David Goosen returns to the fray in MX2 on his KX250F

Speaking about Rowson’s injuries, Team Principle, Steve James was philosophical and highlighted the options open to the Kawasaki Motors UK official team saying;

“Obviously this is by no stretch of the imagination ideal, but injury is something you often have to face in such a demanding sport. As a team we are looking for cover for Ray in the MX1 class while he recuperates. Thanks to the growing stature of the team in the paddock, I am pleased to say we are currently speaking to several top class riders and we will make an announcement very shortly.

Naturally, I am truly gutted for Ray, if he didn’t have bad luck he would have no luck at all. He was just starting to feel really good on the 450, and unfortunately this has happened at the worst possible time. The whole team wish him a speedy recovery"

For Kawasaki Motors UK, Racing Coordinator Ross Burridge commented; "Steve and the team have had a tough year all told, and I was looking forward to seeing Ray finishing off the season in style we all hope to see him back on a bike some time in 2012. Ray has personally acknowledged that things have to move on, and the team are speaking to some very capable MX1 riders to substitute for him."

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