Team News: Hornblower ruled out for CTMP, planning CSBK return in 2022
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- Category: Team News
- Published on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 12:49 EDT
Reigning pro champion Will Hornblower will unfortunately not be able to defend his national title this season, as the injured Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike rider has officially been ruled out for round two and beyond of the 2021 CSBK campaign.
Hornblower sustained major injuries to his shoulder in a pre-season crash at the Grand Bend Motorplex, with doctors advising him to stop racing until at least September as he got back to full health. Despite making every effort to return to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park this weekend, which included completing a trackday earlier this week, Will ultimately made the decision to prioritize his long-term health and sit out the rest of the 2021 campaign.
“It was a freak accident that separated my shoulder fairly severely. Along with a few other injuries, it was too difficult to handle my Yamaha Financial Services Yamaha R6 to an expected competency. It was an extremely difficult decision, but my health needs to come first.”
Representing Two Wheel Motorsports and Yamaha Canada, Hornblower was the model of consistency during the 2019 season, capturing his first two career victories and finding the podium in all seven races to claim the Pro Sport Bike title. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the middleweight championship from being handed out in 2020, meaning Hornblower carried his number one plate into the 2021 season.
The Sarnia, Ontario native is not planning to join the series for its rumoured third and final round, instead turning his focus towards the 2022 season.
“We’re not 100% sure on what our plans are yet for 2022. My Yamaha R6 is in top form, benefiting from 9 years of development, but my long-term goal is to put myself against the best in Canada, and that means stepping up to Pro Superbike at some point.”
In addition to title sponsors Yamaha Financial Services and Yamaha Canada, Will would also like to thank Pro6 Cycle, Dunlop Tires, Two Wheel Motorsports and Bickle Racing for all their support during a complicated two years, and he looks forward to continuing those partnerships next season and beyond.
From a press release