At the Desertmartin round of the British Maxxis MX1 Championship on 26th June, Steve’s accident in race one resulted in a dislocated shoulder and an awkward ankle injury for the Buildbase CCM rider. Steve worked hard to overcome these injuries before the Foxhills round on 24th July. After careful training and physio, Steve felt that he was fit enough to go for the win at Foxhills. In determined style and still in pain with the ankle injury, Steve won the first race after an epic battle with Brad Anderson. In the second race at Foxhills, whilst in a comfortable lead, Steve twisted the affected ankle once again, catching it in a rut and this time caused more damage resulting in Steve having to pull in to the pits whilst in the lead with severe pain. After careful analysis this week it has been determined very unlikely that Steve will be in a position to ride at the next Maxxis round at Duns in only two weeks on August 14th. The doctors have predicted that it may be 4-6 weeks before Steve can ride again due to the ligament damage and bruising in the ankle joint.
This news has resulted in The Buildbase CCM Racing team and Steve jointly taking the decision to let Steve take the rest of the season off to rest the ankle, in effect Steve will not race the CCM again this year as his contract with the Buildbase CCM team runs out on October 3rd.
Steve commented “ this year has been a difficult year for me. The problem with the tyres at the first round was the first in a string of bad luck this year. I have had the speed and fitness to win and the bike has been more than capable as I have proved. The team and I have decided to rest up now for the rest of the season. I am not sure of any plans for 2012 at this stage but I will be looking to comeback to win at the first Supercross Championship in late October and perhaps the Weston Beach race. I would like to thank the team for all their help and support over these past two seasons. It’s been great to be involved with Buildbase CCM and bring them some success, although we fell short of a championship. A bit of luck this year and who knows we could have done it.”
Buildbase CCM Racing Director Austin Clews added “ Steve is a true professional and it has been a great honour to have him in our team over the last two years. Both Gary Harthern and myself would like to thank Steve, Dave and Ryan Thorpe, Dickie Dye and everyone else in the team who has contributed. We wish Steve a speedy recovery and the best of wishes to Jodie, Steve’s wife who is expecting their second baby mid August.”
Meanwhile Maarten Cremmers will continue as the lone CCM rider as planned.