Retirement is rife but thankfully not for Vale

The racing season may be over but the winter nights will surely fly by as we watch reviews, debate events of 2012 racing and relish the excitement that lays ahead in 2013.

Unfortunately retirement seems to be popular right now so with major names leaving BSB, WSB and Moto GP things will never quite be the same.

I’m still in shock that Casey Stoner has decided to head back home for a spot of fishing. I don’t know of any young athlete in history that has quit while their skill, commitment and earning potential has been so immense. Since he announced his retirement I’ve savoured every moment of his unique kerb clipping sideways action. When the likes of Lorenzo, Spies and Crutchlow say his riding is on another planet you know he is pretty special. Some might say we will never see his likes again but don’t worry, we will. Enter stage right Marc Marquez.

Max Biaggi I guess feels he has had a good innings getting to forty one relatively unscathed. Like Troy Bayliss walking away as the World Champion must be difficult but its super cool at the same time. I’ve never been his biggest fan as he can be a dirty rider and a real prima donna, but his talent and world championship winning record speaks for itself. These characteristics are what make riders great so I’m still grateful for his presence over the past twenty one years.

 Tommy Hill has also decided to quit but unlike the above I’m pleased to say this might be only for a year. I can understand his frustration of being totally committed to getting the job done over the years and not really getting the rewards he deserved. His final race of 2011 when he out rode the Moto GP star John Hopkins proved beyond doubt he should be with a top team in a world championship. I hope he can do a Max Biaggi, take a year out then return stronger than ever.

One man that shows no signs of drawing on his substantial pension just yet is Valentino Rossi. Since his official announcement in the second week of August (earlier on twitter), the can he, can’t he debate has been rampant. If Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey could ride out of their skin regularly breaking lap records in their early thirties then there is no question Rossi can too. It will surely be heaven jumping on the Yamaha M1 knowing he can immediately have some front end feel then work on perfecting the rest. With Pedrosa, Lorenzo and Crutchlow on form the world title might be tough but Vale will get back to loving his racing in 2013 visiting every step of the podium in the process.

By Niall Mackenzie