Bob
4th August 2009, 00:10
AMA Superbike championship leader Mat Mladin announced his immediate decision to retire from racing after refusing the take part on what he considered an unsafe circuit.
Mladin, 37, said of the Heartland Park circuit “170mph turn 1 and you can hit the concrete with your shoulder, which leads to turn 2 head on into concrete which leads to turn 3 where a wall has removed and if you run off the track you go into a 10ft deep ditch. The track seems willing to do work but the wrong people are advising what to do and unfortunately I do not wish to die or be busted up waiting for that work to be done.”
Mladin also launched an attack on his fellow racers, saying “Some riders are saying that the work will happen in stages. It is the reason why some places we go now are still bad, because riders won’t stand up and be counted. Amazing how great they can ride a bike but be the most gutless people I have ever known. Spineless!”
Mladin has such a substantial lead in the championship that he is guaranteed seventh place with three rounds remaining.
Mladin, 37, said of the Heartland Park circuit “170mph turn 1 and you can hit the concrete with your shoulder, which leads to turn 2 head on into concrete which leads to turn 3 where a wall has removed and if you run off the track you go into a 10ft deep ditch. The track seems willing to do work but the wrong people are advising what to do and unfortunately I do not wish to die or be busted up waiting for that work to be done.”
Mladin also launched an attack on his fellow racers, saying “Some riders are saying that the work will happen in stages. It is the reason why some places we go now are still bad, because riders won’t stand up and be counted. Amazing how great they can ride a bike but be the most gutless people I have ever known. Spineless!”
Mladin has such a substantial lead in the championship that he is guaranteed seventh place with three rounds remaining.