Reynolds retires

Reigning British Superbike champion John Reynolds has decided to retire from racing following the heavy crash he had during practice for the last BSB round at Brands Hatch last Friday.

The 40-year-old said he knew as soon as he crashed that it was time to give up, saying he was leaving more for the sanity of his wife Shelley than for any other reason.

Reynolds had a bad start to the season, suffering a broken leg in testing, and said this second crash, which left him with broken ribs and collar bone and a punctured lung, seemed like too much of a hint to ignore.

“I am satisfied and relaxed about my decision to retire,” said Reynolds. “I’m in a lot of pain right now, but my spirits are very positive and I’m comfortable that there’s an exciting new life for me ahead.

“Strangely enough, what makes it easier for me to accept is the fact that I had agreed terms with Rizla Suzuki team owner Paul Denning only four days earlier to race for the team next season.

“The fact that Paul, the whole team and the guys at Suzuki had the confidence to ask me to ride in 2006 is a massive compliment and a real honour. I am leaving the sport knowing that Rizla Suzuki thought I was good enough to win the Championship again – thanks to them for that belief, it means a lot to me.

“I am stopping for the right reasons right now, knowing that I had an opportunity with a great team on a fantastic bike.”

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