BARNES REHABS WRIST AFTER SURGERY Michael Barnes of Team M4 EMGO Suzuki recently underwent a medical procedure on his right wrist to correct a problem with tendonitis. Cysts that developed after a previous injury caused the tendonitis. Barnes, a Florida native who finished third in AMA Supersport points for the 2006 season, had the surgery at University of Florida Shands Jacksonville Hospital. Dr. Steve Augustine performed the procedure on Friday, December 15th. “I was dealing with some wrist pain on and off for about a year. I had a few cortisone shots over that time and the pain would come and go. I rode at the Pirelli tire test at Daytona recently and still had some pain, so I decided to do something about it,” said Barnes. “The doctors discovered some cysts near the spot of an old fracture. It was a relatively straightforward procedure, just cutting those out. All went well and I’ll start rehabbing in a week.” Barnes earned a place on the AMA Supersport podium a total of six times in 2006 and said he is looking forward for the 2007 racing season to begin. “The wrist issue had never been a really serious problem for Barney, but it is something that has bothered him for a while now. It’s been a thorn in his side and something he’s had to deal with,” said Crew Chief Keith Perry. “We’re glad the surgery was successful and it’s behind him. We won’t have to worry about the wrist now. He’ll be ready to continue the good results and momentum from 2006 when the new season starts.”