Westmoreland facing surgery after Knockhill crash

Buildbase BMW racer James Westmoreland is facing a battle for fitness ahead of the next round of the MCE British Superbike Championship in just over two weeks’ time, after the 26 year old sustained damage to his hand in a crash last time out at Knockhill.

Falling from his BMW S1000RR on the opening lap, Westie sustained damage to the bones at the base of his thumb, and is set for surgery to fit an external fixator to allow it to heal in alignment. Set to go under the knife today (Friday), the surgery will be performed by the same world-class surgeon who recently repaired John McGuinness’ similar injury.

Speaking on Wednesday night at the Barton Bike Night, Westmoreland told MCN: “I’m obviously disappointed that it’s happened, but I’ve been riding bikes for 23 years and it’s the first time I’ve ever broken anything! I’ll be at Brands Hatch, but it depends on how my hand is healing to decide whether or not I’ll ride.”