BURNLEY’S former World Superbike champion Neil Hodgson today brought an end to his motorcycling career – and admitted his parents had talked him out of announcing his retirement within hours of his recent accident at Brands Hatch.

The 36-year-old had been looking forward to a return to the British Superbikes Championship this season after five years in the United States, but a crash in the warm-up for the first race of the season earlier this month led to him calling a halt to his 20-year career.

The accident aggravated a shoulder injury that Hodgson originally sustained in a horrific motocross accident last year, which briefly threatened his life and left him weak on his left side.
The 2003 world champion and 2000 British champion had struggled to post competitive times before the start of the season and was ready to quit as soon as the Brands Hatch accident occurred.

“I didn’t feel comfortable on the bike,” said Hodgson.
“I didn’t want to be riding round injured and getting mediocre results.
“I was struggling with left-hand corners and because of the shoulder I was leaning too far and I came off the bike and landed on my head and the same arm. I just said to myself then, ‘Call it a day, Neil’.

“I thought about announcing that night that I was going to quit, but my parents said not to to say anything, to let things calm down.
“But it’s all I’ve been thinking about for the last few weeks.
“If I was younger I would have carried on, but the specialist told me the recovery would take four months and the season is pretty much gone then.

“I’ve been racing for a long time and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, though, because I’m just a normal lad from Burnley.”

 

respect!

 

sounds like he made a good call.

 

My hats off to him. I've always liked Hodgy...true professional.