Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has announced that Eli Tomac will be sidelined through the upcoming rounds of Pro Motocross after scans confirming the extent of his neck injury this week.

Further medical evaluation this week revealed a hyperextended anterior longitudinal ligament and partial tear of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle in his neck.

While Tomac’s injuries are not anticipated to require surgery, he has been advised to take time out in order to heal properly, with the intention of resuming competition onboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION once he is fully fit and in a position to return.

“I’m really bummed to get injured early on at the opening round,” Tomac commented. “Since the end of last year when I first threw my leg over the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, I said I couldn’t wait to ride this thing outdoors because the engine package is unreal and I felt it would be a lot of fun racing motocross on it.

“It’s just a shame that a racing incident early on in moto one has really put a dampener on my outdoors season right now, but I will follow my doctor’s orders and rest up with every intention of getting back out there sometime this season.”

A timeline for Tomac’s return to racing during the current SMX World Championship season – including Pro Motocross – has yet to be determined. According to KTM, additional information on his status will be released once it becomes available.