09.09.11 | A letter to my fans
I wanted to write you a personal letter to explain the factors that have forced my early retirement and to take the oportunity to thank you for all of the amazing support that you have given me throughout my career.
As you all know, I’ve had a tough time since injuring my right wrist during a testing crash at Aragon in Spain earlier this year. At the time of first seeing my Consultant, he warned that the damage to my wrist could be career-threatening, but we both committed to doing everything we could to ensure that I could continue racing.
Having struggled through a couple of races and then crashing out in the terrible conditions at Nurburgring in Germany, I went back to see the Consultant, Mike Hayton, this week and the diagnosis was the worst I could have prepared myself for.
The easiest way to explain it is that I don’t have enough range of movement in my wrist to race professionally and no amount of physiotherapy is going to improve that. This all led to the verdict was that it’s no longer safe for me to continue a career in motorcycle racing.
I have to put the safety of the other riders on track first, as well as thinking about my own safety. Knowing that I will never again be fully fit to race at the highest level, it’s also unfair for me to occupy a great seat in WSBK that a young, talented rider who is fully fit could take better advantage of.
Obviously, the decision has been a difficult one and it’s been really hard to take the advice of my Consultant and admit defeat on this occasion but I really have no other option left at this stage. I’ve tried everything possible for the last few months but the sad truth is that none of it has worked and my wrist will never fully heal enough for me to operate the throttle properly and navigate right hand turns.
You have been amazing in the best and worst times of my career and it’s been almost like having a second family to support me through my career. So, thank you for everything and I hope that I have done you proud.
Fan's comments
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kazamac
Despite the fact that we are all gutted that James has had to retire from the racing he so clearly loved, let us all thank god that he is here to choose another career path where he can be No 1 (not that he was ever anything else). My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Marco Simoncelli who had such a bright future ahead of him. We all know motor sport is dangerous and we accept this but this situation reminds us that life is precious and too short. RIP Marco xx
onmezephyr615
gutted to hear that you had to retire James,but respect your views and reasons why.
I wish you every sucess with future ventures especially Crash
sawamu
Boa noite James Toseland vi a noticia agora e fiquei muito triste em saber que voce vai parar de correr tenho muitas corridas suas gravadas pois gosto muito de ver voce pilotando no mundial de superbike mas estou aqui pra te desejar uma vida repleta de felicidades e que voce vai superar todas as dificuldades !!!!
De seu fã aqui do Brasil!!!
Sawamu
Suet83
Hi James, I only heard the news today whilst watching Superpole for the GP, couldn't believe it...I kept rewinding to make sure I heard right!.....so sad...
Was lucky enough to meet you last year at bike shop in Petersfield, my friend and I went and you were so lovely, people were queuing out the door and yet you still gave everyone the time they wanted with you ,chatting and having photo's taken. Was also there at Brands when you did the double, had a feeling it would happen and as it clashed with a family do, I lied to get out of it because I knew I would never forgive myself if I wasn't there to see it!
All the best for whatever you decide to do in the future and hopefully we will still get to see you in some way related to racing and that you bring Clash down my way sometime. xx Sue - West Sussex
Linda.Maslen
Hi James,so sorry to hear that you have been forced to retire. we have followed you since you were in the CB500 cup. My husband came home and said that he had seen a young rider number 52 who he was sure would be a world champion one day and how right he was.We have been to every WSBK meeting in this country since 1998 and the greatest moments always came from Brands Hatch. 2007 was amazing! You sang the national anthem and did the double. We have watched you perform with 'crash' which also holds great memories of Donington Day of Champions. What are you planning to do in the future?? Please don't disappear.We still want to see you and chat to you when ever we can.Good luck what ever you decide to do.Stay safe and live happy.xx Linda ,Calne Wiltshire.
JAN WITHERINGTON
Hi James, having watched you race for the past 12 years and seen you win 2 world championships you have more than done this country and your fans pround. It must have been such a hard decision but hopefully you will still be involved some how in bike racing, the youngsters certainly need you for inspiration! Have also seen Crash play a couple of times, so hopefully you will now take up a music career and we will get to see you play! Anyway good luck for the future whatever you decide to do I'm sure it will go amazingly well. Love Jan, and the other 4 Blondes from Farnham, Surrey
bladebiker
Very sad news indeed. Thanks for the entertainment and enjoyment you have given us over the years. I had the pleasure of meeting you a few years back at the Bike show in London and I always remember how freely you gave of your time to me and my mate and posing for pictures. You will be a success at whatever you do ( you already are musically) and I cannot think of a person more deserving of that success. All the very best from one Sheffielder to another!
KitkatQueen
What a terribly hard decision to be forced into making. So so sorry to hear that we will no longer have the pleasure of seeing you on track, but what an amazing career you have had up to now, with amazing achievements most can only dream of. Thank you for entertaining us, both on the bike and on the stage (we were lucky enough to see Crash play at Moto GP Laguna Seca a couple of years ago! Unforgettable!) Wishing you well and every success in whatever you choose to do next .... Be sure we will continue to support you where we can. Be happy. Hugs to you xxxxxx
VIVI
well what can be said james...
this is such sad news for every one who has followed you over the years...
as great fans of yourself we all are sadened by the news...
we are gutted as my lads have grown up and followed you for many years since they were young..my youngest lad, (now 12) reminded me this morning when we were trying to get a photo of both my lads with you at the nec birmingham and he was crawling away from you (he was 6) while you were trying to drag him back, he got away so the pic was with only one of them lol..we have a lot or good memories of seeing you on and off the track james and we wish you well and all the luck in the world with every thing that you do...
take care , viv , paul, alex ,lewis n (leela..(2) your newest fan who was just getting started) xx xx xx xx
Sarah512
Hey James,
Just wanted to say that I'm gutted for you but your safety and well being have to come first. I wish you well for your future and hope to see you soon.
xxx
EGehlen
Dear James,
I got very sad, as a great fan of you, when I hear the news about your retirement. After seen you at Nürbergring, gave me the feeling that it was coming good with you. I'm very sorry for you that you had to make this decission, but YOUR health is also very import. And by that you have a very nice past with 2 world titles on your name: don't forget that.
I know would say: Play that funky music till you ..... :)
I wish you the best for the future and maybe will see you amoung a circuit anywhere.
Good luck and a big hugh from Holland, Evelyn
peejay1977
I really don't know what to say to this that others haven't. I have alot of motorcycling friends and a fair amount of them have met you (be it briefly) and all say the same thing, "such a nice bloke", which I know sounds cheesy but having met you myself at the Bennetts Trackday at Donington a year or 2 back and technically speaking ridden with you that day I can do nothing but echo those sentiments. Such a great loss and I wish you the best in whatever you do James. Paul.
kazamac
So Gutted for you JT, but yes PROUD PROUD PROUD AND ALWAYS WILL BE, pehaps now they will make you a SIR, will miss you loads on the circuit, I hope you will be able to have a long relaxing break with Katie and your family to help you come to terms with it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do in the future and I will follow and support you in whatever way is possible, hope to see much more of you with the fabulous CRASH and looking forward very much to seeing you on Saturday in Coventry.
I am sure that your Mom will be very relieved but sad for you too.
Best wishes, hugs Kaz xxxx
Stumpy
Hey JT. You know, I had a horrible feeling that I'd be reading your announcement about retiring after your struggle to get your wrist fully fit. To say I'm gutted for you is a total understatement. I can't imagine how crushing it must be for you to give up something that is much more than a career - it must be an overwhelming passion. I've seen you race several times over the years - BSB & WSB - & was there at Brands Hatch when you did the double race win in 2007. That was such an awesome day! There won't be anything that anyone could say to give you consolation, but you can take comfort in the knowledge that your fans, & I include myself in that category, will continue to follow you, support you & be proud of anything you do in the future. I also hope that we get to see a bit more of Crash now, too. All the very best, JT, & thanks for some truly memorable moments. Bob.
Claudia13
Hi James,
We are still in US and have talked to you last August in Indianapolis after your concert in downtown. You explained about your wrist injury and we are so sad to hear abour your early retirement. We just cannot realize it yet! This must be a very hard time for you! We think motorcycle sports will lose a great rider with a very special personality and passion. You are a great person and a very good singer and musician too. Please go on with your music together with your band Crash and hopefully, you will play somewhere outside UK too ... maybe in Austria, where we are coming from. We will not stop to support you, whatever you will do in the future! Good luck and hope to see you somewhere out again!
Claudia & Jojo
njs52
hi so sorry to here your news wish you all the best in what ever youdecide you have made your fans very proud we will continue to support you in what ever you do, hope to see you soon with your band your biggest fan all my love nicola
Paula
JAMES,
Us fans will support you no matter what you decide to do in the future.
Upset...yes I am,but the decision could not have been easy to make.I am just so glad I got to see you race at Silverstone this year,my first visit as well,I will remember you waving to me at Woodcote with me frantically waving liking a loony.....GOOD LUCK..........HOPE IT'S NOT THE LAST WE SEE OF JT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO EXCUSE TO VISIT PLYMOUTH NOW!!xx
Claire82
Devastated for you. Thank you for all the entertainment over the years. We will miss you, love and best wishes xxx
CWardle16
Absolutely gutted! Must have been a horrible decision to make.
So glad i got to meet you at the Northwich Thundersprint and thank you for signing my shirt. Glad i can say i got to watch you race in World Superbikes amd Moto GP. You did us proud and you'll be hugely missed :0(
SprogTheDog
So, so sorry to hear the news. We all knew you were struggling with your injury, but we all still hoped you would bounce back from this and find your form again. You have given your all during your career. Through the best & worst of time. You never gave up & that's why you have such devoted fans.
I was at Donington when you fell at Redgate during your first home GP race. Getting back on that bike and finishing the race, even though it was badly damaged, just proved what kind of a racer you were. Where I was sitting in the grandstand, the cheers you got from the crowd were as big as Rossi's.
I wish you well & hope to see you involved in the sport in some way, in the future.
daR1o_S1000RR
Hi James,
I'm a great Italian fan of yours! The news of your retire gave me sadness.
I hope that I will finally meet You on Imola track next september 25th. I will be very happy to join with You my first time in WSBK.
I wish You happiness with Your wonderful family and girlfriend and with your music.
Dario
JTno1
I hope James reads this. Was on twitter and John Hopkins says that his consultant MIGHT be able to help James. If anyone can get this to him or get him to get in touch with Hopper plz do so. I know this is a long shot but anything to save James's career and his peace of mind
rsvphil
Hi james, truly gutted on hearing your news. You have always been a world class competitor, and a credit to the sport and your country. We've been lucky enough to meet you on more than one occasion and we can honestly say that its been a pleasure following and supporting you all these years. We really hope you stay in the sport as it would be a real shame to lose you completely. Congratulations on everything you've achieved throughout your career especially your two amazing world championship's. We'll be continuing to wear our t shirts and fleece's, and will be flying our JT flag for many years to come. All the best for the future, you will.always have a massive fan base in whatever you choose to do.
Best wishes
Phil and Laura
Viivi
Dear James, I was so sad when I heard this news. I'm so sorry that you cannot continue your career. I really enjoyed watching you racing. We will miss you!! I want to wish you all the best in your life!!!! Love. xxx
JTno1
James I am gutted about your news. I have been a fan for years and got the chance to meet you once, you signed my tattoo and i now have that tattooed also. Am writing an rewriting this have so much to say and tears also. Will miss you loads and wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do in the future. lots of love Huni xoxo
dinky59
oh james, so sorry to hear the news, you must be devestated, me and my grandaughter will miss you soooo much, it has been a pleasure watching you, i am writting this with tears in my eyes. i wish you all the luck in the world, take care n thankyou for being you, you are a star, luv you to bits.
Diane & Charlie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
TrishandRay
Dearest JT, what devastating news for you. Our deepest sympathies as we know how gutted you must be feeling. You are an amazing racer and a truly lovely person. We met you last at Silverstone autograph day this July and will never forget your kindness to your fans, especially the little boy who wanted you to sign his book, his legs and his arms! And you did! And still found time to have your photo taken with him, despite everyone else clamouring to meet you. You will be sorely missed in racing - WSB won't be the same without you. But your dedicated fans (including us) will want only the best for you and we do hope you'll remain prominent within the racing scene - your vast knowledge would be invaluable on race commentary for instance.
We'll all miss you terribly.
PureRacingOppositionJack
Gutted to hear of this news man, cheers though for all the thrilling weekends of Racing you have graced us with and thankyou for lighting up our screens and eyes with an exemplary career of stunning riding, wish you the best in the future and good luck with everything man P.S Your musics awesome, well done on a fantastic career x
Mandy
So sorry to hear you have had to retire and you have done all your fans proud you are a great guy and I wish you all the best for whatever you future might bring.x
TeresaW
So sorry to hear the news JT but you have to do what's right for you. Motor cycling has lost a great racer and great ambassador. It has been my great pleasure to meet you in the Isle of Man and at a promotional evening at Tamworth Yamaha and you always have time to talk to us. Wishing you every success in whatever the future holds. Hope to meet you again in person. Good luck always
gjbird
Thanks to James for making us proud to support a great guy on the track and all the very best for your future. Gareth
gtiller
JT, Grant Tiller here from RES Software – we used to sponsor you and the team a couple of years back when you rode for Honda Tenkate.
As a Brit, I have great memories of your championship winning year on the 1000cc bike – 2007 was a nail biting year, and pretty exciting when you were racing in the UK.
Youngest ever world champion at the age of 23, was a pretty good achievement, so whilst this must be a pretty tough time for you right now, don’t ever lose sight of what you have achieved!
That win was even more sweeter than most people realise, because that bike was far lighter on rider aids than every other bike you were competing against. Sure, it had the raw power, but you were the maestro when it came to laying that power down on the tarmac – big respect to you!
Your championship winning year actually wasn’t that long after you were winning on the 600cc bike – so you came a long way in a short space of time.
We always had a queue of people wanting to join us for the weekend when you were racing here, so we made sure we filled the tent to the brim – it was brilliant fun, and a great atmosphere!
Thanks for everything you did back then… signing autographs and making polite conversation after you’ve just been riding your heart out on Superpole was well beyond the call of duty!!!
Whatever you do from here, will be a success – you’re that kind of guy.
So from me, and the team at RES Software take care, and good luck!
Grant
davidtazman
So sorry to hear the news but not suprised after the crash at nurbugring we could all see the pain you were in with your wrist, the sport has lost a great sportsman and gentleman to boot. Yorkshire has produced some great talent and you are up amongst the greats hope your future is a bright one and we still see you around the sport somewhere and we still see you on the egg run from one Southyorkshire man to another i salute you Taz
Joostk
This really made me drop a tear.
So sad to see you leave.
Even because I never got the chance to meet you in the Paddock.
Tried this year at Assen but you were not there due to the injury.
At least I got a picture from your trailer from this year.
Still it saddens me to see you leave.
But you had an amazing career with 2 world titles.
The WSBK was your scene and you could have made the races a lot more interesting if you were not injured.
However you are injured and you choose to quit. Which I respect but still it saddens me.
The best of luck with all the rest and thanks #52.
Biondoland52
That's one of the most surprisingly sad moments of my last years. I followed you until your very first race is SBK (Valencia 2001) when your riding style suddently made my sympathy for you become greater and made you became my racing idol in a few races while here in Italy nobody was even aware of who you were, I truly think if not the first, I'm at least your second italian fan and having the opportunity to watch you riding and had your autograph the year after (autograph which stands proudly in my room's wall until that day 9 years ago) was one of the best days of my life. You were an example, really, for the way you fought to your first title in 2004, for the way you stroke back after the delusion of 2005 to the second place and the most incredible world title while most of the people here thought Honda made a mistake in giving you the chance. You never lost the will of show what's your value even when times got rough in MotoGP and last year I must confess I really thought you were coming back after Assen and Monza. But after all you've always been an example for being the person you are in an ambient where everyone in convinced to be the best and close to being divine you never lost your hard but loyal way to race, your low profile and your great heart with all your charity actions. SBK will never be the same without searching at every race n°52 at every lap, without heartaches when the same number is fighting for the podium and without your amazing braking that really few drivers have overtook.
I'll miss you, for sure and truly, every race I'll remember the "good old times" when Jamie was riding around the world's track fighting for every centimeter at every lap, but I'll think that by that time you'll be happy somewhere around the world living your life with the feeling to be accomplished by the great adventure you made and that you had us made too.
Thank you, thank you, 52 times thank you champion! Don't worry, you'll never be forgotten by your people!
Take care and Best Wishes (the cheer you made me and that dominates my room until 9 years ago now is coming back to you : )!
Alessandro
Sarah52
James,
We are very sorry to hear your news today - it must have been so hard to make this decision. It is very typical of you to think of the safety of others on the track & also of younger riders too. Thank you for giving us so many enjoyable races to watch (in our case only on T.V.!) Over the years, we've been shouting at the T.V. egging you on & were over the moon when you got the title.
Take care and enjoy your music & we wish you every happiness in whatever you plan to do.
Best wishes
Sarah & Martyn
vickijh
I am so sorry to hear the news. I just wanted to say thank you for being such a good example of a true sports man (which seems to becoming rarer these days). I have followed you since I started watching motorcycle racing and have been to watch you ride on numerous occasions, two of those occasions were the best races I have been to - Silverstone 2006 and Brands Hatch 2007. I doubt any race I go to will ever match the atmosphere of your double win at Brands!! So again, thank you. I wish you all the luck in the world for the future and hope to see you in what ever you decide to next. Take Care. Lots of Love Vicki
GIXXER
GUTTED M8,THE SPORTS LOST A REAL GENT.I TOOK MY 5 YEAR OLD SON TO THE NEC BIKE SHOW WERE HE SPOTTED YOU AND SAID DAD THATS JT.YOU WERE BEING PULLED FROM PILLAR TO POST BUT STILL TOOK THE TIME TO TALK TO HIM AND SIGN A PICTURE AND GET A PHOTO.ITS ON HIS BEDROOM WALL AND HAS PRIDE OF PLACE.MY BEST MEMORY AND DAY OUT RACING WAS WATCHING YOU DO THE DOUBLE AT BRANDS JUST AFTER YOU SANG THE NATIONAL ANTHEM,IF ONLY ALL OUR SPORTSMEN WERE THAT PROUD.GOOD LUCK IN WHATEVER YOU DO NEXT FELLA,AS MY LITTLE LAD SAYS GO FOR IT JT,GED :))
lyn24710
My family and myself are just so sorry for you, it must have been the hardest decision of your life, we have never missed a race and love you to bits. We have meet you on many occasions and my boys think the world of you . You have had such an effect on them because you are such a genuine guy we wish you every success for the future , hope to see you again soon with crash take care and good luck lov Lyn, Steve, Cameron & Jack xx
Nargordon@aol.com
Very sorry to hear you have secumbed to your injuries and you are going to retire. I just want to say thank you for being one of the best racers (if not the best) in WSBK. WSBK is a poorer place without you. You have beaten the best and it won't be forgotten. I spent many a Saturday and Sunday on the edge of my seat watching your incredible bike control. Wishing good luck and health in the future......And hope you can still play the piano;)
mountynine
As a northern lad of a simillar age to yourself I have always been inspired by your success. My wife and I met you at Brands a few years ago and you signed a copy of your biography for me. You always have time for your fans and we therefore have all the time in the world. I am really upset about the terrible news James, I always loved to watch you through good and bad times including the months I were in Iraq and Afghanistan. I always had your results sent in a letter. You have been a hero to me which is a little cheesy but true. Thank you so much for being an inspiration. Really sorry for you. You play that piano like its going out of fashion mate. Thanks again, Chris.
Renike79
To say I'm gutted doesn't really describe how I am feeling and can only imagine how you must feel :((( I relly hope you will find a new way of re inventing yourself and keep on the motorcycle seen in some ways...I hope you and Crash will keep on playing and now you will have time to record that album of yours. I will be the first one to buy it :))) It's been a pleasure meeting you always great with your fans I will miss you loads xxxx PS:I think Silverstone will have to drop their prices now for next year otherwise there will be even more empty seats with you not being there... Take care and hope to see you again soon xxx
cgzx9
Absolutely gutted JT,lost for words don't really know what to say except WSBK and motorcycle racing in general won't be quite the same again!! I can only wish you luck in whatever you choose in your future,all the best and thanks for making WSBK so interesting! Keep smiling every cloud has a silver lining :-))) Chris G
Laz
Gutted, gutted that is an understatement!! It's my dad's 60th birthday today and bloody hell i will remember it as a good day and a sad day.
Cry thats all ive done so god knows how you are feeling. Anyway enough of the soppy stuff you have been a true gent in this cut throat environment and battled each year with a smile on your face.
Please please please go into commentating (my mum wants you to), that way we will get a true and honest opinion from someone who knows what they are actually talking about.
What will happen to your number 52? If someone else adopts it, it won't be the same please don't let anyone have it!.
Same as everyone else who has written below myself and my family will be supportive in whatever you do and will be JT fans forever. Best get in that recording studio and get an album done with the boys, because Crash are amazing (MFN 07-09-11)
May see you at CMC Clay Cross - you would be good at selling bikes x x x x
Laura and family x x x x
Novembers_Angel
You have always been my favourite WSBK rider, and you always will be. You where the reason I got into watching motorsport, and for that I will always be greatful. I know you'll find it tough not being able to race anymore, but I want you to know that we will always support you in whatever you choose to do. Perhaps now is the time to make Crash your future? Someday soon I hope to see you and them live. I will always be a JT fan til the end! Holly
JeffD
From a big US fan - Absolutely gutted! I was so looking forward to you storming back to a 3rd WSBK title after you regained full fitness. Watching the Nurburgring crash on TV this past weekend I was hoping for the best after you were clutching your wrist after the crash. You always rode the hardest and just seemed like the nicest guy in real life. I missed saying hello to you on Main Street in Daytona Beach during Bike Week 2 years ago, because I couldn't believe it was really you (only later I learned that you were in town for a Cycle Gear national sales meeting). I hope you come back, I'll be buying the pints! Best of luck in your new life!
cbrdude
I'm so sorry to read this awful news. Words probably can't describe how you feel. I have been fortunate enough to see you race a couple of times, notably, Donington Park, '08 (?), Such professionalism to re-mount & complete the race. No other rider did what you did that day for your fans. I have seen Crash twice, met you three times. "Thank You" for signing my shirt at MFN gig, 7/9/11. Best wishes for the future, hopefully Eurosport can use you for commentary on race events. CHIN UP MATE, GOOD LUCK.
lavorgna
JT, we are so proud of your accomplishments and what you have brought to Racing. You will never be forgotten!!! Best of Luck for whatever you decide to do with your future. Always remember that the World is yours for the taking!!! Racing was only one aspect of the makeup of James Toseland! I can't wait to see what else you are ready to bring to the World! Brian
kazybabe
So sorry to hear that news James. I met you at Philip island this year and you made my weekend the best! Will miss watching you in bike racing. Please come to Melbourne with your band, we'll be there! Xox
tasha52
Such a sad day for motorsport I feel. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do next. Keep up the piano play and singing with Crash. May see you in Peterborough. Best wishes Tasha and Charlie xxxxx
Jelster
It's a sad day for British Biking. JT, I've followed you to a number of places, been at Magny Cours both times you took the Championship, you let me take your picture while in the pits at Silverstone for my mates Birthday....
Best of luck James.
Steve
mizzmjm
JT, i'm gutted to hear this. Briefly met you last year at WSBK at Silverstone, what a great you are and a true champion. Wishing you well in everything you do from now on. Going to miss you ;-(
The Fizz
James. You were one of my British Heroes of Motorsport asides from your friend Jenson Button and you still will be. It's going to be hard to watch World Superbikes race without you. You were just such an awesome guy as a rider and as a person. Just such a shame that the injury took you away from one of the things you love doing and that's racing. I hope you will continue doing your gigs with Crash. I wish you all the best for the future and I am just glad that I got to witness you race in World Superbikes and Moto GP. That for me I will remember for life. James Toseland fan for life.
cbr600mike
This sucks so bad, so sorry for you James. got into biking and the racing quite late, you were my first biking hero.
if you ever take up tutoring on track i'll be the first to sign up.
but this is a sad day for racing.
Shinyhappypoodle
Found TO51AND from dvl a to put on my bike. They want 3k. Too sad now
Shinyhappypoodle
Desolate, mate, crying in the pub is not what I do but really feel that an era of the good guys is over. I retired from biking in January (courier in the west end of London) you are truly the face of everything good about being a biker. A champion amongst men, a hero for bikers and an example to all who may follow. You are a real person without the pretentiousness of that Biaggi bloke (met him, ignored me) met you at Skeggy, bought me a pint. That's the difference between you and the others. A true achiever and as legendary as Stirling Moss. The only other racer who was never a world champion in the premier league. Hope you are coping better than me. So so sorry. Hope we meet again and both of us are riding for fun. Take care.
helenbmerry
So sorry to hear this news. I hope you will continue to be involved with racing, and live here in the Isle of Man. You have always been a huge asset to and a great ambassador for, motorcycle racing. Good luck with whatever you plan for the future.
Annaree
Oh I am so sorry to hear your news. Totally understand the reason behind it.
Thank you so much for giving so much of yourself to the racing & the fans.
I have had the great pleasure of meeting you & Im sure that although you wont be racing you wont be to far away from the action.
I wish you all the very best x x x
shoediva2906
Totally gutted for you!! You are a top bloke and we wish you every success with whatever you do next!! We will all be there supporting you! Michelle & Alistair xxx
SHolmes
So sad to hear this James but in situations like this you need to think what is best, Everyone knows how hard you have tried and will understand the decision you have had to make. Your fans will always support you no matter what has happened. Just wanted to say thankyou for introducing me into the sport as I saw you at Northwich Thundersprint in 2009 and that was it i was hooked so a massive thankyou for the great sporting times. Thankyou p.s Hopefully you might be able to come thundersprint next year :) Good Luck to the future Steph x
JT52fan01
You have so done us proud JT! So sorry that you have to retire and wish you all the very best. You are incredibly talented and very humble. You are a true legend. I hope you are able to pursue your other dreams. Will continue to be a JT fan forever; no matter what you do next. Thank you for sharing your racing career with us.
Good luck in your future endeavours James, love Mandi xx
Mialou13
So gutted for you - we know you tried your hardest and Im sure your heart is heavier than ours at this news. You future will be bright as us fans know that whatever you do from here onwards you put your heart & soul & determination into it ( I await a JT cd soon - please?!) .
Wishing you all the best JT
Maria x
poundoflard
Sorry to hear that you've been forced to retire, myself and my son are big fans and would like to wish you all the best for the future and hope you can still be involved within the sport that you have given so much to,
Regards
Dan & Tom Whitehouse
piggytail17
So sad to hear you have to retire , you are and always will be a great guy and racer, will still come and see you and crash :)