Image: Foremost Media.

BMW Alliance Racing’s Lachlan Epis will sit out the final two rounds of the 2022 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) following a heavy collision under a safety car period at St. George’s Phillip Island Five Hour.

Epis, 22, was using the event to test in preparation for the upcoming round of ASBK at the circuit when he was smashed into while slowed behind the pace car, the other rider approaching at a considerable speed difference as the collision occurred.

The sizeable impact from behind caused an AC separation in Epis’ shoulder, with the number 83 also sustaining multiple torn ligaments in his groin from the accident. In the interest of his safety and physical inability to perform at his best, the decision was made to give Epis the time needed to recover and not compete in the remaining 2022 races.

“Disappointed to end the year by injury, we were testing the BMW at Phillip Island in the five-hour endurance race with my home club, when unfortunately during the safety car period I was crashed into from behind, sustaining injuries to my shoulder and my groin,” Epis explained to CycleOnline. “The team have been putting in an amazing amount of effort and I’m disappointed not to be there, but I am looking forward to the future.”

Additionally, a statement from BMW Alliance Racing read: “Last week whilst training in the five-hour endurance race at Phillip Island, Lachlan was an innocent victim of a senseless accident.

“Unfortunately, Lachlan sustained some injuries that require time to heal. Naturally, as a rider [Lachlan] wanted to compete in the upcoming races and although we could have the bike ready for the next round, we as a team have decided that we cannot guarantee his usual standard and safety due to the incident.

“So, with that in mind, it is with great reluctance that we will be withdrawing from the last two rounds of the ASBK. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the team at BMW Alliance Racing and all our sponsors who make it possible for us to compete through the year.

“Lastly all our fans around the globe, thank you for your support and we hope to be back bigger and better than ever in 2023. We wish Lachlan Epis a speedy recovery.”

Despite the premature end to his 2022 campaign, Epis showed promise at times throughout the year, notably with a strong pre-season and a spirited charge in race one Morgan Park that saw him lead on the opening lap and recover to P7 after being off the track at turn 10 in the early stages.