From a press release issued by Team Stargel Aprilia:

Harsh Homecoming For Team Stargel Aprilia at Road Atlanta

During Friday afternoon’s practice session at Road Atlanta, Team Stargel Aprilia’s Chuck Sorensen highsided his Aprilia RSV250, injuring his hand in the process. Sorensen underwent surgery on Saturday evening, having two pins placed in the hand. Although he had hoped to be able to ride on Sunday, the injury proved to be too severe to allow any range on motion in the hand.

The crash ended what was shaping up to be an excellent outing for the team. In the first official practice on Friday morning, Sorensen turned a best lap of 1:27.886. This lap time would not be bettered for the duration of the weekend. Radar speeds taken Friday morning showed the team’s Aprilia to be the fastest motorcycle in the field.

With Sorensen unable to ride, his crew used the time on Saturday and Sunday to make improvements and test additional parts on the bike. Team Stargel Aprilia would like to thank Lee of Factory Pro Tuning for his patience in doing many dyno runs on Sunday. Also, Joey Israel of Ohlins USA worked late on Saturday to add new suspension parts. Lastly, much appreciation is extended to Aprilia USA and the Aprilia Race department in Italy for supplying parts and helping Team Stargel Aprilia to develop a fast and beautiful motorcycle.

According to doctors, Sorensen’s prognosis is excellent and the team plans on competing at Pikes Peak, Colorado on May 30 through June 1st.