Former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson has apologised to his fans, team and sponsors for missing out on this weekend's Fontana AMA American Superbike race after a big motocross crash last weekend.

The Corona Honda rider suffered a punctured lung, broken ribs and a separated shoulder  in the accident when he hit a bike laying in the middle of the track. Jake Holden has taken his place in the team for this weekend.

"I just wanted to start off by first apologizing to all my sponsors, fans, and team members for this minor setback. As you know, I have always taken my racing very seriously, and fitness has always been an important part of the sport," said Hodgson, from his bed at Loma Linda Hospital, California.

"Unfortunately this time I have been very unlucky by sustaining a couple of nasty injuries. As you can imagine I am doing everything in my power to get healthy as quickly as possible, so hopefully I'll be back racing sooner rather than later.

"I want to thank everyone who has sent e-mails, texts, and phone calls! Your support is greatly appreciated! I want to wish everyone a successful and safe weekend at Fontana. Please don't bend my bike Jake! Good luck."