Jerez WSB: Checa confirms retirement from racing

In a packed press conference held in Alstare Ducati’s hospitality Carlos Checa confirmed that he has retired from racing. The 41-year-old Spaniard has had a long and illustrious career that has spanned two decades.

He’s one of an exclusive few men who has won races in both Grand Prix and World Superbikes. He’s been a factory Yamaha and Ducati rider, been team-mates with Valentino Rossi and became the 2011 World Superbike champion at the age of 39.

“Today is the day that I confirm I will stop racing” explained Checa. “I have had a long career that started in Barcelona in 1993 and finishes here today at Jerez in 2013 – 20 years later.”

“I have enjoyed my time but for me this is enough. I feel really satisfied with what I’ve achieved and I really appreciate all the support I have had. With the injury I have had time to think about the future and now I will work out what I want to do next.”

Checa had made his intentions clear earlier in the season that he would not continue with the current Alstare Ducati project, but subsequently received offers to ride for Kawasaki on a third bike alongside Tom Sykes or make a return to Althea with whom he won the WSB title.

“I started to think about my retirement around three months ago, but when I received the other offers I thought about this a lot, but in the end and with the injury I decided that now is the right time to stop.”

Checa who will continue to work with Ducati as a brand ambassador has made a huge impact to the World Superbike paddock since switching from MotoGP in 2008.

After two years with Honda he switched to Ducati and his smooth style immeadialty gelled with the 1200cc V-twin. During this time he earned great respect from his rivals and the paddock in general for the way he conducted himself both on and of the track.