Saturday’s Red Bull Unadilla National will feature several notable returns, headlined by Zach Osborne racing his first national since the season opener and Michael Byrne contesting his first race of the season.
Osborne was a top-five rider in the 250 Class just one season ago but tore a ligament in his thumb in the second moto of the 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship during a first-turn pileup and has been out of action ever since. “Someone came across my front and took my bike out,” he explained after the incident. “My momentum carried me forward over the bars and just ripped my thumb all the way back.”
Ready to get back to action this weekend, Osborne posted the below image on Instagram with the following caption: “Excited to be back at the races. Thanks to everyone [at GEICO Honda] for being patient with my recovery process. [Team mechanic Derik Dwyer] has the #16 machine in prime condition and the track looks sick. Also, thanks to all the people behind the scenes that have been pushing me during this period.”
Unadilla will also feature the season debut of Michael Byrne, who will be racing for TwoTwo Motorsports alongside team owner and fellow Australian Chad Reed.
There’s an interesting subplot here with Byrne. You may recall that it was right here at Unadilla at 2012 when he crashed while leading the first 450 Class moto and broke his leg. Although he raced the series last year, Byrne was never able to return to form and entered this season without a ride. Now nearly two years removed from the injury, Byrne certainly must feel like he has some unfinished business at the track, and come Saturday, we’ll find out how he stacks up with the field.
Other riders returning to the series this weekend after missing time include Jake Weimer (hematoma on back), Malcolm Stewart (dehydration) and Darryn Durham (knee). For Durham, it will be his season debut after suffering a small fracture in his knee while testing before the start of the season. “No pressure,” Durham said in a statement issued by the team. “I’m going out there to try and battle with the lead guys in the class and make the most of the time I have remaining this season. I couldn’t be happier.”
Weimer was originally injured at High Point. (Photo: Amy Schaaf)
Kyle Chisholm will also be lining up at Unadilla – his fourth U.S. national of the season – before heading back up north to pull double duty in the Canadian Nationals on Sunday.