IPSWICH and King's Lynn's injured racer Kozza Smith is targeting a racing comeback next month after his horrific crash in a pre-season challenge meeting for Elite League Ipswich.

IPSWICH and King's Lynn's injured racer Kozza Smith is targeting a racing comeback next month after his horrific crash in a pre-season challenge meeting for Elite League Ipswich.

The popular young Aussie suffered a collapsed lung, four cracked ribs, a fractured shoulder and broken arm in a major shunt against Lakeside.

Lynn went down 49-44 in their latest Premier Trophy away meeting at Rye House on Saturday but pocketed another vital away league point after a battling display at Stoke the previous weekend.

Smith is writing off his chances of a return before the end of Lynn's Premier Trophy campaign but the young Aussie is desperate to have one final crack at the World U21 individual event.

“I want to be back at the end of the month,” he said. “I've got the U21s and I would love to have a go at that because it's my last year of qualifying for it. I'd have to get into the top six to qualify for the semis and that is around mid-May so it would give me a chance to get some practice in before then.

“It's hard not to try and come back too early but my ribs are still hurting a lot. I'm getting treatment and stuff but it's just a case of trying to heal the bones as quick as possible so I can at least start training and getting fit. The specialist has said the shoulder and the arm is not the problem it's the lungs and the ribs but hopefully I can get the cast off soon.”

Smith has been a frustrated spectator in the pits during Lynn's early campaign.

“Watching the boys is so frustrating,” he said. “You see Darcy (Ward) racing in the week and he wasn't 100% fit so he couldn't take all the rides. It's a big ask for the other boys having to take my rides so that is frustrating because you just want to be in there and be part of the team. I'm still in the pits - just not riding.

“I'm really hopeful we can bring back some silverware this season. We have a different approach this year with putting the team together and there is probably more strength in depth rather that perhaps just two top heavy riders. I think there is still a lot more improvement to go in the team with everyone capable of getting their average up. I'm sure we can be challenging and not just making up the numbers.”