USA World Superbikes: NoriyukiHaga suffers broken collarbone, but elects to ride

Championship contender Noriyuki Haga will compete in this afternoon’s Superpole session with a broken right collarbone.

The Yamaha Italia rider tried to pass Hannspree Ten Kate Honda man Kenan Sofuoglu just eight minutes into the second qualifying practice session at Black Rock Hairpin, but ended up running into the side of Sofuoglu and crashing out.

It was immediately clear that Haga had broken his collarbone by the way he was supporting his right shoulder but incredibly he remounted his bike and rode back to the pits.

Haga was taken to Tooele hospital five miles from the circuit where he was x-rayed and it was confirmed that he has a broken right collarbone.

Despite the serious nature of the injury, Haga asked to be strapped up, and injected with pain killers and he intends to compete in free practice and Superpole this afternoon.