PETALING JAYA: Mohd Affendi Rosli’s Underbone 115cc campaign has hit a speed bump – he will skip the second round of the Petronas Asia Road Racing Championship at the Sentul International Circuit in Indonesia on May 17-19.

The 28-year-old Harian Metro Y-TEQ SCK Honda Racing rider was forced to pull out from this weekend’s race after doctors detected an injury to his nerve tissue on his left hand, which requires immediate medical attention.

The injury will also rule him out of Round 3 of the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship in Terengganu on May 24-25.

“This will be the first time I’m skipping a race ... I’m very disappointed as I began the season with a podium finish,” said Affendi, who will be replaced by cub prix team-mate Norizman Ismail in Indonesia.

“The doctors advised me against it because nerve injuries have a long-term effect if not treated immediately and properly.

“It’s an old injury (in 2011) and my recent crash in Batu Kawan (cub prix) in March made it worse.

“I can still ride but, after eight or nine laps, my hand will feel numb and painful, making it extremely hard for me to concentrate ... especially on technical tracks.”

Affendi, who is sixth overall in the Underbone 115cc standings with 16 points, is glad that the problem was detected early or “it might have affected my whole season”.

“It’s very important for me to take time off and recuperate so that I can return in tip-top condition and mount a challenge for the title,” he said.

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