Carlos Checa announces his retirement from motorcycle racing
In Jerez, during the final WSBK round of the 2013 season, Carlos Checa, after twenty years of racing and success, has confirmed his decision to retire. The announcement was made by the Spaniard himself, in the presence of journalists, colleagues, sponsors and friends who were invited to the Ducati Alstare hospitality today. An intimate and emotional affair, which gave Checa the chance to thank a world that he has belonged to for many years and to which he has made such an important contribution.
Unfortunately Checa has not been able to end his career as he would have wanted, due to a bad accident at Istanbul last month which has prevented him from participating in the final rounds of this 2013 season. Despite a challenging year, Carlos retires from professional motorsport a very satisfied man, taking with him countless successes, memories and lifelong friendships.
Such passion and dedication could not end with goodbye. As Carlos Checa announced his retirement, Ducati took the opportunity to confirm that he will have a role as ambassador, allowing the Catalonian to continue to collaborate with Borgo Panigale as a very special Ducatista.
In celebration of Carlos' 20th anniversary of competition, Nolan wanted to create a commemorative helmet, with special graphics dedicated to this important milestone. The helmet was presented this afternoon, just after Carlos' retirement announcement, further heightening emotions for those present.
Another demonstration of affection and esteem arrives from the circuit of Jerez, that has decided to dedicate a part of its 'Hall of Fame' in its new museum (that will be opened to the public in 2014) to Carlos Checa, his brilliant career and WSBK World Title - he remains the only Spanish rider up until now to have achieved this goal.
"This year I am celebrating twenty years of racing" said Carlos Checa "at world championship level. I am extremely proud of this long sporting career, which has given me many special memories of all the teams I have worked with. I have had the opportunity to compete at the highest level, riding the best bikes and winning against the best rivals. My aim has always been to discover my limits and to be able to take a close look at myself in order to continue to learn, grow and become a better rider and a better person. This is something that would not have possible without taking this path, full of risk, but which has also provided me with great challenges, adversaries and emotions; a long climb which culminated with my best season in 2011. There is a moment that will always arrive in the life of a sportsman, the day on which you say enough is enough."
"This day has arrived for me today" he continued. "It was not an easy decision, but one that I've thought long and hard about. I am grateful to the entire motorcycle family, to those who make it possible for this world to exist and especially to those who have supported me and followed me from the start, for having given me the opportunity to pursue my dream and live a life that I wouldn't have changed for any other. I will now move on to discover new things about myself, a new and stimulating phase now begins for me in Ducati. It will take time to adapt but I am confident about my future and the satisfactions that it will surely continue to give me. Thanks again to everyone for being here to support me on what is a very special day for me, definitely emotional but also unforgettable."
