Nakano retires from racing after injury hit year
Added on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Nakano retires from racing after injury hit year
Former MotoGP rider Shinya Nakano has announced his retirement from professional racing after twelve years of racing in MotoGP and World Superbike classes.
The Japanese rider, who rode with Aprilia in this season’s World Superbike championship, has officially announced that he will be hanging up his helmet after an injury-hit campaign.
Nakano, who has six Grand Prix wins to his name in the 250cc class, enjoyed a career with Tech 3 Yamaha, Pramac Racing, Kawasaki and Scot Honda before ending his MotoGP career riding a factory-spec bike with the Gresini Honda satellite team.
“I think it’s time to stop and I have decided to retire,” said Nakano. “Thanks to everyone who has supported me during 13 years as a professional racer and eleven years in the world championships.
“Now, if my experience is a little help, I want to contribute to the motorcycle industry. I look forward to seeing everyone at the track in the near future, this time in a different capacity.”
Nakano left MotoGP in 2008 to partner Max Biaggi in the ambitions Aprilia team, making their return to World Superbikes.
The season was once to forget for Nakano however, despite some promise with a fourth place during round two at Qatar.
The 32-year-old broke his collarbone in the following round at Valencia and also missed the following round at Assen.
After his comeback, Nakano went on to put in a number of consistent performances, including a best of sixth place at Donington Park, before a neck injury during round eleven at the Nurburgring forced him to sit out the remaining three rounds of the season.
