Image: Foremost Media.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has announced that Malcolm Stewart will be sidelined for an extended duration, due to undergo surgery on his knee injury sustained while practicing in January.

While specific information on 30-year-old Stewart’s injury wasn’t released, it is yet to be determined when he will be fit to return to action following his recovery and the 450SX team will focus on Christian Craig in the meantime.

“It was very tough to receive the news that Malcolm will need to undergo knee surgery,” said Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team manager Nathan Ramsey. “He has worked so hard to be in a position to win races this year and I truly believe he was ready.

“The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing program will support him in every way that we can through his recovery and we can’t wait to get him back on track and back at the races.”

Stewart was exceptional at Anaheim 1 and again in San Diego, where he qualified quickest and won his heat race in spectacular fashion, despite incidents at both rounds costing him any stronger main event results – going 15-16 to open the season prior to being injured.