A nagging wrist injury has forced former World Superbike champion James Toseland to retire.
Toseland’s wrist injuries stem from a crash at Aragon in March, while the flag-bearer for the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK was running a private test. At first, doctors thought he’d return to racing, but a crash at Nurburgring convinced Toseland otherwise – it’s difficult for him to operate a bike’s throttle or take right-hand turns.
Toseland, who took the Superbike title in 2004 and 2007, says his injury and retirement make 2011 a tough year, but he’s stepping down because not only does his injury create safety issues for himself and other riders on the track, but he also feels it’s only fair to give up-and-coming riders their shot at the Superbike series.
Can’t handle right hand turns? Pity NASCAR doesn’t run a motorcycle series.