250SX East title contender Christian Craig was forced to sit out Saturday’s main event in Salt Lake City due to injury, Star Racing’s team manager Wil Hahn spoke about the experience following the race stating it ‘dampened’ the mood of the team ahead of the race.

A massive crash in qualifying practice for Craig effectively ended his 2021 Monster Energy Supercross title chances in the 250SX East class.

With his main title rival also being his teammate, Colt Nichols, it created a unique situation inside the team at Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha.

“Honestly, losing Christian like that, it kind of dampens the whole mood in the truck, but obviously we still have got to do our job,” Hahn explained. “All in all, it was still a good night.”

Nichols went on to finish on the podium, opening the points lead to 23 over Jo Shimoda (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) despite finding it a bit tough to focus following the events of the day.

Craig attempted to line up for the heat race, but was unable to put any weight on his leg and pulled off after the opening few corners, later detailing his injuries and reflecting on his day at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

“In the blink of an eye it all changes,” Craig said. “Crazy how one minute everything is clicking and the next you’re on the ground. This sport is no joke. I tried everything to race but just couldn’t put any pressure on my leg.

“As of now, it looks like a fractured fibula and ankle sprain. Going to get checked out at home and get ready for outdoors. Thanks everyone for the support. Going to keep my head held high. Big thanks to everyone at Alpinestars mobile medic.”

The series concludes this weekend with the final round in Salt Lake City on 1 May at Rice-Eccles Stadium.