Andrew Pitt announces retirement
Two-time World Supersport Champion and former World Superbike race winner Andrew Pitt has announced he is calling time on his career at the age of 35.
The Australian has been a regular on the world championship scene since making his international debut in 2000, Pitt earning his spot in history just a year later when he swept to the 2001 World Supersport Championship for Kawasaki.
Though his graduation to MotoGP, with Kawasaki in 2003, didn't achieve the success he'd hoped, Pitt's move to the World Superbike Championship with Yamaha proved more fruitful, finishing eighth overall in 2005 and fifth in the 2006, while he was also a race winner at Misano.
A return to MotoGP with Ilmor proved ill-fated when the team withdrew after just one event, leaving Pitt to contend with testing roles with Yamaha MotoGP instead, but his return to the World Supersport Championship with Ten Kate Honda in 2008 yielded five wins and his second title in the series.
A disappointing season in 2009 saw Pitt lose his crown, but he was still able to secure a return to WSBK in 2010, riding for newcomers Reitwagen BMW. However, the team folded just three events into the season, prompting Pitt to take up a ride with Motorpoint Yamaha in British Superbike, a deal which lasted until he was injured in a crash at Brands Hatch.
It is that injury to his shoulder that has forced Pitt to call time on his career, feeling as though he is now unable to compete at the top level. Nonetheless, he is delighted with what he has achieved over the past decade and more.
"When I first came to Europe in 2000 I could never have imagined I would spend 11 seasons racing in the World Championship. It really has been a fun ride and I have gained lots of great memories, as well as some painful ones, along the way. Winning the World Championships was something that I will have forever and never forget. And riding some of the best machines in the world has been incredible.
"I love motorcycles and riding them as fast as possible, and the best one has to be the 2007 M1 MotoGP machine. I really enjoyed being part of that development and testing team.
"It wasn't the perfect ending and you can't always choose how you go out but I am still in one piece and at least I have time to work on my cycling now.
"I will miss the good days on the podium for sure but I will continue to ride in testing and training roles, as well as pursue my motorcycle magazine and television work. I want to stay in the motorcycle industry and I still have the same passion for bikes now as I did when I was 10-years old.
"I'd like to say a very special thank you to first of all my fans, who stuck with me in good years and not so good years. Also, my family, particularly my father Carl, have always been there for me and backed me in my racing, from the days of us driving across Australia in a van to supporting me in MotoGP or WSBK paddocks, they have been fantastic.
"And my personal sponsors who have stood by me always - Milspec Services, Premier Helmets, RST leathers and SIDI boots. Thanks also to all of the thousands of officials, marshals, medics, volunteers, mechanics, crew members and journalists that have helped me over the years."
