After a spanning career that has seen him racing in the United States, the grand prix paddock, and on the top steps of WorldSBK podiums, Chaz Davies is finally ready to retire.
The news comes just after word was received that Loris Baz would fill-in for the injured Welshman at the Jerez round this weekend, nearly 9 years since Davies started in the World Superbike paddock.
Runner-up to the WorldSBK Championship title three times (2015, 2017, and 2018), Davies was also the WorldSSP champion in the 2011 season – a championship he won with a stout 50-point margin.
Riding with them for eight seasons, the bulk of Davies’ victories have been on Ducati machinery, with 28 of his race-wins coming on the Italian machines out of 32 – 89 of 99 podiums as well.
His presence on the WorldSBK grid will be missed by his legion of fans, including a strong cohort from the American market.
“I just wanted to say that unfortunately in some ways, and fortunately in others, this will be my last season in WorldSBK,” said Davies in a statement. “It’s obviously a decision that has not come easily, it’s taken a lot of thought because I’m a strong believer in when you’re done, you’re done.”
“To me, the timing seemed right to make this decision. Like I said, very difficult and a lot of deliberation especially being here at the circuit again! It even felt different walking in a couple of hours ago to make this announcement. You need to change something in your head. Here we are.”
“There’s a lot of reasons behind it and like I said, a lot of deliberation and wondering whether it’s the right move but I’m very confident and I’m both happy and sad at the same time that it is the right decision. Ready to turn the page and open up the next chapter.”
Source: WorldSBK
Comments