John Hopkins Loses Fingertip [Warning: Graphic Image May be a Shocker]

Following numerous procedures and some complications, American racer John Hopkins has undergone surgery to remove the tip of his right ring finger.

The Crescent Suzuki racer initially injured the finger in a crash while competing as a MotoGP wild card entry for Rizla Suzuki in the Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno in August. Since then, Hopkins underwent six procedures to repair his finger to no avail. Hopkins visited doctors this week to consider his options and was advised to amputate the finger at the first knuckle. The procedure was carried out Jan. 12.

Hopkins later posted a picture of his hand after the amputation on his Twitter feed (look for it after the jump; warning: it might not be fit for the squeamish).

“It’s never good news when you have to lose a body part, but this was the best scenario all round because otherwise the situation could’ve dragged on for some time, with not necessarily a better result in the end,” says Hopkins.

Despite the injury, Hopkins finished the rest of the 2011 British Superbike Championship, finishing second after a dramatic final round that saw the title decided by just 0.006 seconds. Hopkins and the Crescent Suzuki team will compete in the World Superbike Championship in 2012.

Hopkins will begin physical therapy in 10-11 days and is expected to be able to resume riding in three weeks and should be ready for the WSBK pre-season test at Australia’s Phillip Island circuit.

[Source: Suzuki, Hopkins' Twitter account]

By Dennis Chung