Defending MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Richie Escalante is riding with a two-week-old broken left collarbone this weekend at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR).

After finishing second in each of the two MotoAmerica Supersport races at the season-opening round April 30-May 2 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Escalante traveled to Los Angeles, California, to train with his friend and Team Manager Humberto Baca.

And it was during a bicycle ride with Baca on May 7 that Escalante suffered his injury.

“I hit something in the street,” Escalante told Roadracingworld.com Friday morning in the paddock at VIR. “At that moment, I went to adjust my sunglasses, so not too much weight on the front, and with the clips [shoes clipped into the pedals] I lose the front. I crashed hard.”

In addition to suffering several abrasions, Escalante said he instantly knew that he had broken his left collarbone.

He and Baca, who also works in the healthcare industry, then immediately started seeking care.

“We went to the doctor the same day, took X-rays, and then we move quickly to find a [surgeon],” said Escalante. “One doctor says, ‘I put it together and you wait two months.’ I say, ‘No, I can’t.’

“So, we did the surgery with the plate and seven screws on Saturday morning [May 8]. I went home the same day. I relaxed on Sunday, and then on Monday I took off the sling and start my normal life.”

Two weeks later, Escalante arrived at VIR, was passed fit to ride by MotoAmerica’s medical staff, but then missed most of Supersport Free Practice on Friday morning due to technical issues with his newly built HONOS HVMC Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R.

“Today, I’m very unlucky,” said Escalante. “Something in the gearbox is not working on the bike. The bike jumps from second to sixth or fifth, and then no first, no second, no neutral. So, I can’t do any laps.

“But I feel great. I’m not 100%, but I’m ready to push for the podium, I hope. We’ll see my condition. My plan this weekend is just points and, depends on my feeling, then podium. If I feel great, I will go for the victory.”