Jonathan Finn, the Canadian teen who’s been racing in Spain the past few years, is retiring from roadracing.
Finn earned his fast-guy cred at a young age in CMA events out west, then moved to Spain’s Pre Moto3 championship, where he was the only North American rider this year. While he hasn’t been a championship threat in Europe, he’s been a consistent top-10 finisher.
Finn’s press release (below) says 2019 will be “his last year of racing.” No plans for CSBK in 2020, then … Too bad! It’s going to be rough in the Canadian roadracing scene in a few years if younger riders continue to drop out at this rate.
Press release
Jonathan Finn to retire from Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing
The decision to step back from competing amongst the world’s best riders was not an easy decision to make. “This has been my last season racing motorcycles at this level” says Finn. “I’ve been thinking about this decision the entire season. Racing motorcycles has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. Making this decision has been the most difficult and emotional choice that I’ve ever had to make. Even though I do have the opportunity to continue my racing career here in Europe, the financial commitment required at this level along with the many sacrifices made by my family makes it very difficult to continue this journey. “
XCTech Team owner, Xavi Jiminez, has had the pleasure of working directly with Finn in the ESBK PreMoto3 series the last 3 years. “My experience working with Jonny, from when he first arrived in Spain as a small boy with very little experience compared to his competitors, has been a great pleasure” says Jiminez. “We have grown together, we have overcome very hard moments during this journey, but we did overcome them. Jonny has become a very fast, methodical and competitive rider. Most importantly, he has grown into an impressive young man of quality and professionalism. The whole XCTech team is left with the feeling that we say goodbye to Jonny who is more than just our friend. I wish Jonny and his family the very best! Thank you Jonny!!”
Other than Finn’s immediate family, there has only been one other person to have had an profound influence throughout his racing career. That person is long time family friend, Brian Ens. “I met Jonathan and his family during his first year of mini road racing back in 2010 and have been coaching him ever since” said Ens. “This past year, I moved to Spain and I have been living with and working everyday with Jonathan as coach, mentor and friend. It has been great to work so closely with Jonathan and to have helped him mature as a young man and rider throughout the past 10 years. All the best Junior!!!”
“To all my friends, fans and followers on social media. Thank you for your likes, comments and support. Being far away from home it is great to know that I have that support base.”
“Lastly, I need to say thank you to my family. Without them believing in me, and their willingness to give up and sacrifice everything to afford me this opportunity is beyond expectation. Because of this I am truly thankful to my mom, dad and brother.”