TOMMY Searle's title challenge was dealt a blow in the third round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, writes Nathan Scott.

The Goudhurst racer was positive on returning to the site where he made his debut appearance only a few weeks ago.

The track had been re-worked for the second of three visits the series will make to the Angel Stadium, just outside Los Angeles.

Searle said: "It was looking good, I really liked the track and I thought it was going to be a good weekend."

Unfortunately, early in the first qualifying session, Searle's day came to an abrupt end.

"I just crashed in a turn, nothing spectacular. It was like the third lap of timed qualifying practice and I just tucked the front wheel, and that was it, really.

"It wasn't even a big crash, it was small, but I landed awkwardly on my right shoulder."

Searle immediately went to the Asterisk Medical Unit for assistance and when he tried to go out in his heat race, the pain increased and he had to pull out.

Resting at home in Murrieta, California, he said: "I'm just icing it and resting up for most of the week and do what I've got to do, but I'll probably be back this weekend for San Francisco."

With such a hectic schedule in the series, Searle is looking to get back as soon as possible and get all the track time he can to get up with the leaders.

In his absence, Jake Weimer took a dominant third win to make him currently undefeated this year.

His hat-trick enabled him to extend his title lead to 19 points over Trey Canard and Will Hahn, with Searle slipping to 13th in the standings.

The series moves to the home of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, for the next round on January 30. Find out how he goes next week.