Brett McCormick seriously hurt in Assen accident

Effenbert Liberty Racing has confirmed that its rider Brett McCormick has suffered a series of serious injuries as a consequence of his accident during the second World Superbike race of the day at Assen.

The Canadian racer, competing in only his second WSBK meeting, was running a strong 11th when he crashed heavily on lap nine in an accident that has resulted in spine, face, eye and hand injuries.

Further checks revealed fractures to his fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae, albeit without neurological consequence. He will now be transferred to Groningen Hospital for further examination.

The full statement from Effenbert Liberty Racing:

"The Effenbert Liberty Racing Team announces that Brett McCormick, following the disastrous crash in race two this afternoon in Assen, after the control in the circuit medical center, has suffered the trauma of the cervical spine, facial trauma with a hematoma to the eye sockets as well as a fracture of the fifth finger of his right hand, and he was sent to Assen hospital for further evaluation.

"The result of more checks carried out that there was a fracture to the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae, apparently without neurological involvement, so Brett has been transferred in the Groningen' hospital, where it will decide how to stabilize the injuries.

"Further updates will follow as soon as possible."

Former Canadian Superbike Champion McCormick made his WSBK debut at Imola riding a fourth Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R.