Ducati 848 Challenge: Marty Nutt recovering from neck injury

Northern Ireland's Marty Nutt is recovering at home following a crash during Sunday's first Ducati 848 Challenge race at Brands Hatch.

Nutt, who moved to the one-make series for 2012 after competing previously in the British Supersport class, was lying in second place on the nutttravel.com/Millsport Ducati when he crashed at Paddock Hill Bend.

The Castlerock man suffered broken bones in his neck and back and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

It is a bitter blow for Nutt, who had made a promising start during practice and qualifying at the Kent venue, where he claimed pole position.

In Sunday's race, Nutt was lying second on lap seven when he went down at Paddock Hill Bend after losing grip on oil spilt by another machine.

As his bike cartwheeled through the gravel trap, he hit the safety bales hard and was eventually taken to Kings College Hospital London where his injuries were later diagnosed.

Speaking later, Marty's dad Billy said: "When the race started, Marty wisely took it easy in the first few laps and settled into his stride. He'd moved up to second and was looking safe there for a solid result and a good haul of points but as he went into Paddock Hill the front wheel just went away from him as he hit the oil.

"He went into the barrier quite hard and has suffered a broken bone at the top of his neck and three more in his back.

"He was in a fair bit of discomfort when we went to see him and it looks like he could be out for six to eight weeks but the doctors indicated they'll be putting him in support braces to aid the healing process," added Nutt, who is a former clerk of the course at the North West 200.

"It's a bitter blow for all of us, especially as it was all looking so good but that's racing for you, one minute you're up, the next you're down.

"It could have been a lot worse though so hopefully he'll be back on his feet and in the saddle soon."