We received this email from Mat Mladin this morning and pass it on in its entirety
After so many great years of racing in the USA, I will retire from AMA racing at the end of the 2009 racing season in New Jersey.
My career has been long and above and beyond my wildest expectations. I won my first national championship on dirt bikes back in 1981 (28 years ago) and have had an amazing career ever since.
If I had my time again, I would not change a single decision I have made, in life or in racing.
I would like to thank my team for their constant hard work. Without these guys, the 80+ race wins and multiple championships would not have been possible.
I wish to thank my fans. I want you to know that you all have helped me achieve so much. I will miss you.
I want to thank my mum and dad for getting me involved in such a fantastic sport that turned into my profession. I love you both.
My brother and sister for all the miles you done cramped into the back of a little pick up / ute in the early days. These were great times and the ones in racing I will cherish the most. You mean the world to me.
My daughters are growing fast and it is time I put my efforts into their future.
My wife, what can I say? You have unselfishly given your time and efforts to this lifestyle of ours. Racing had its down days, but with you by my side it was easy to get up and smell the fresh air, and realize how lucky I am. You have been a rock for so long, and if I could live another 100 years I still would not have the time to repay you for your commitment. I love you babe.
Mat Mladin
— Earlier Mat Mladin announced his decision to withdraw from this weekend’s round of the AMA Superbike Championship at Topeka citing safety concerns.
Due to safety concerns I will not compete in this weekend’s round of the AMA Superbike championship in Topeka.
It is important to note that Topeka is a newly sanctioned round on the championship schedule. It is also important to note that Topeka has made changes to the track, but unfortunately, as is the case too many times, the track approval process was flawed and we arrived at a facility that was not ready for our caliber of competition.
This is 2009, and the days of showing up to race tracks that we know nothing about and have not been allowed to test at because of the AMA/DMG new rules regarding our testing are raising serious safety issues.
We race 200hp motorcycles where with constant development, the brakes, the tires, the chassis, the engines and the complete package as a whole gets faster every year. With this development the corner speeds and straight line speeds get faster and faster. With these extra speeds the margin of safety gets much smaller if the racetracks are not made safer.
We go to a few venues that still have some safety issues, but many of these venues have made vast improvements over the past few years. Sanctioning new venues with numerous safety flaws is just plain ridiculous.
Why do people have to get hurt seriously or worse before a racetrack is made safe before adding it to our National Championship schedule?
The adage of “they are going to make changes” doesn’t cut it after someone has hit a concrete wall.
With acceptance of these new venues with obvious safety flaws, the bar has been dropped in regards to safety, opening the door to many other circuits that are not acceptable or fit for racing modern day motorcycles.
I will never accept the lowering of safety standards for the sake of a few people making money. It is the young kids, the future of the sport that will bear the brunt of the worst of this. One day, the teams and riders need to come together for the well being of each other.
Last but not least, I thank my fans for their continual support over the years. Without you, none of this racing is possible, and I’m very upset about not having a safe platform to put on a show for you guys this weekend, but I also know that none of you want to see me busted up in the bottom of a concrete wall or ten foot deep ditch. I look forward to seeing you all at VIR in two weeks.
Regards
Mat
