Farquhar to quit racing?

Ryan Farquhar is at a crossroads in his career. For the past three seasons he’s been virtually unbeatable on the Irish Nationals – and last year even surpassed the late, great Joey Dunlop’s record of national victories.

But after a spate of fatal crashes and injured spectators in recent weeks, and the serious injuries sustained by Ulster GP rookie Lee Gourlay when he was riding a borrowed KMR Kawasaki SuperTwin, Farquhar is questioning his commitment to the sport.

“It’s not worth it,” he said of racing on the roads. “There’s been too many serious accidents this year. I still get a buzz from racing but when you look at it, I mean really study what we’re doing – it makes you think.

“It’s something I love doing but the dangers are there – and things can happen beyond your control. I’m not making any decisions just yet. Let’s get this season finished and then I’ll have a good think about the future.”

Farquhar might be talking retirement but the flip side is the thrill of not just racing into 2011 – but also the hands-on development of the new ZX-10R, since Farquhar builds his own race bikes.

“From what I’m hearing this new Kawasaki is a good bike and I’d like to race it. If I do continue with racing, I’ll definitely scale back on my commitments and pick the events I want to ride in.

“As well as the internationals, I’d support all the clubs in the south that have support me in the past, a few in the north, plus the Southern 100 and Scarborough.”

His racing future also depends on what level of backing he can attract. “A lot will depend on sponsorship. I’ve spent a lot of my own money this year and while road racing has been good to me, I’m not a wealthy person.

“I need more help. I’m hoping Kawasaki will continue to look after me but if they said they had no budget, that would be me finished. My heart lies with them. Every international race I’ve won has been with Kawasaki.”