STEWART’S SEASON OVER

JORDAN Stewart has called time on his season and will head back to Australia this weekend to step up preparations for 2022.

Stewart was involved in a frightening crash when racing for Redcar at Birmingham in early June, and recent practice sessions have convinced him that his shoulder and knee are not ready for the rigours of racing.

It ends his campaign with the Bears, who are now considering their options for a replacement, and also his hopes of returning to Premiership action with Ipswich.

Stewart said: “It’s been a very hard decision to make, and I’ve had lots of sleepless nights thinking about my situation.

“I’ve tried everything that I possibly could to get myself fit – I’ve had regular physiotherapy to speed up my recovery, but it wasn’t to be.

“I’m still only 22 and have a long career ahead of me, so I need to think about the future and also what’s best for the team, rather than come back too early and risking further injury.”