Canadian Speedway champ injured

By Todd Vallee

Defending Canadian Speedway champion Aaron Hesmer was injured on Saturday in a crash at Niagara Motorcycle Raceway in Welland, ON.

Hesmer, who was riding the Intermediate flat track class as well as Speedway, was injured in the 450 Intermediate final. As the pack headed into turn one off the start, Hesmer made contact with the rear wheel of a slowing rider and was thrown off the bike. Along with several bumps and bruises, Hesmer suffered a broken bone in his hand. It is unclear at this time how much of the season will be lost.

The Speedway class has been hit hard by injuries this year as a few weeks earlier Jeff Orosz, runner-up in the championship last year, suffered a serious shoulder injury. Original prognosis was that he would be out for a few months.