King's Lynn Young Stars captain Danny Phillips will have his leg pinned and plated after he suffered a broken femur and spinal fractures during the speedway side's 63-27 loss at Mildenhall.
The 20-year-old picked up some grip coming out of bend four in heat four which saw him crash underneath the air fence and collide with the back barrier at tonight's meeting.
He was tended on the track before a decision was taken to call the air ambulance to take him to hospital, and with the rider's care paramount there was a 1h 40m delay before the meeting resumed.
King's Lynn Stars chief Buster Chapman said Mr Phillips suffered a broken femur which will be pinned and plated today (May 8). The leg operation is thought to take about five hours.
Ryan Guest, from the speedway media team, said Mr Phillips is waiting to hear from a team of specialists to determine what type of operation he will need for his spine, adding: 'Danny is in good spirits.'
It was initially thought that the young rider had suffered just a broken femur, but the club later confirmed the devastating news that he had also suffered spinal fractures.
While Young Stars boss Scott Campos was disappointed with the end result, he admitted the defeat was irrelevant with thoughts surrounding the young rider.
'It was a really nasty incident and it's really tough on Danny,' he said.
'He's definitely broken his femur and he was airlifted to hospital where he'll be checked out for any further injuries.
'It's a real blow for Danny and we send him our best wishes.
'From the team point of view it's a blow as well. The lads had made an encouraging start and were in it at 11-7 after three.
'But that incident with Danny really knocked the wind out of our sails and we had no answer from there on in.
'We're in a real dilemma team wise now and myself and Dale (Allitt) need to have a serious sit down and see what we can do.
'We're realistically two key heat-leaders and a top second string down now and the worrying thing is, is that there's very little options out there under the rules that currently exist.
'But as I've said, right now our thoughts are with Danny and we'll keep supporters updated when we hear any updates.'
Mildenhall's Kevin Jolly paid tribute to the work of the paramedic team at Mildenhall.
He said: 'Our thoughts are with Danny Phillips this evening after his horror crash and hope that his injuries are not as bad as we are hearing.
'I must praise Jason Gillingham and his paramedic team for their support, care and professionalism today, they are incredibly important to this club and we are very lucky to have them with us.
'Once again our supporters came up trumps, after showing great understanding during the delay whilst Danny was cared for, they then responded to an impromptu collection for the Air Ambulance raising an incredible £645.00. They are simply the best supporters in the country.'
MILDENHALL 63: Jordan Jenkins 15, Jon Armstrong 10+2, Connor Mountain 9, Danno Verge 8+3, Danny Halsey 8+1, Luke Ruddick 7+2, Sam Woods 6.
KING'S LYNN 27: Josh Bailey 14, Lewis Whitmore 4, Connor Locke 3+1, Ryan Kinsley 3, Taylor Hampshire 3, Danny Phillips 0, Scott Campos r/r.
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