Hopkins cleared for Miller WSBK return
American John Hopkins will return to the World Superbike Championship in time for his home race at the Miller Motorsports Park at the end of May.
Hopkins was forced to miss the Donington round of the Championship after breaking a bone in right foot and suffering torn muscles in his left hip in a massive high-side at Monza earlier this month.
The Fixi Crescent Suzuki rider, though, was lucky to escape serious injury with his doctors reporting that 'no significant long-term damage had occurred in the hip joint.'
Although Hopkins will still need to under a series of painkilling injections to combat the discomfort in both his hip and his foot, he has been given the go-ahead to race at the Miller Motorsports Park from May 26-28.
"I was so disappointed to miss Donington Park, where I'm sure I could have been in that crazy fight for the win," said the American.
"It's been a really rough ride physically over recent times, and there were some real worries over the hip condition, but I know I have a lot more to give and that my luck has to change for the better.
"The team, my family and close friends have been really supportive and I just want to get back into what I know I can do best.
"I am fully committed to racing at Miller and I will be doing everything possible from now and up to the race weekend to ensure that I do whatever I can to get the best result possible for FIXI Crescent Suzuki, me and everyone involved.
"It won't be easy, so I plan to take it step-by-step, enjoy the riding; and build back into it."
Team manager Jack Valentine has welcomed the news of Hopkins' return, saying: "This is great news and certainly a big boost for the team.
"We are all delighted to have John back for Miller and after such a positive weekend at Donington - where the GSX-R showed it was able to run at podium pace - it is equally important to get him back out there with Leon so we can continue to take steps forward.
"I know it will be difficult for him as he will have to overcome the pain, but there will be no pressure from us and John's a tough cookie as recent history has shown."
