Image: Octopi Media.

A thumb injury has forced Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Kayden Minear out ahead of Southwick’s fifth round of the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, with the Western Australian set to undergo surgery to repair his torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).

Minear, 18, fell during High Point’s second 250MX qualifying session, which resulted in the injury, before powering through the day to capture a 20-15 moto scorecard for 18th overall in his second professional race in the United States.

Scans have since revealed, however, that the teenager will require surgery on the damaged ligament, which has also ruled him out of upcoming AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. It was unclear how many Pro Motocross rounds Minear had committed to prior to his injury.

“Can’t believe I have to write this post, but here we are,” began Minear. “Unfortunately, I sustained a thumb injury during qualifying at High Point and pushed through the day. I got some scans on it this week and have been informed it’s going to need surgery.

“Bummed to be sitting out the rest of my rookie season, but I will take this time to get prepared and come back fitter and stronger for the upcoming races. Thank you to the team for supporting my choices – we will be back soon.”

The injury has a recovery timeline of three to six months, with Minear and the team targeting a return to competition at the SMX Next round of the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Final in Las Vegas on September 20.

After lining up for the first time professionally in the US at the Thunder Valley National, Minear sits 21st overall in 250MX with a 12th place in moto two on debut at Lakewood his highest race score to date.