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LEIGH Adams has announced the 2010 campaign will be his final one in Europe.
The former world No. 2 plans to stage two farewell meetings, in Leszno, Poland, on October 10, and at Swindon on October 17, before he and his family return to their native Australia to begin a new life.
It will bring to an end a hugely successful 22-year racing career for the 38-year-old, although he still hopes to remain involved in the sport back home.
“You’ve got to stop somewhere and it’s just the perfect time to do it,” Adams told Speedway Star magazine in an exclusive interview.
“I’m 39 this year and I’ve had 22 years of a great career in England.
“Back home, I want to get heavily involved with my training schools, try and set up a Leigh Adams Academy and do weekends in Adelaide, Perth, Mildura, Sydney, and up to Queensland.
“I’m always being asked to do them but I’ve never had the time. I’d like to get involved with MA (Motorcycling Australia), they’re pretty keen.” |
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Ten times Australian Speedway Champion, Leigh Adams, says he has no regrets about sitting out the 2010 Championship which starts on Saturday at Gillman, SA.
Adams is the defending Champion, but says any thoughts that he has made the wrong decision by not riding have not had time to enter his head.
“I have just been so busy since I returned from Europe that I haven’t had a moment to think about it. This is our second Australian summer in our new family home and we’ve been spending all our time working on getting that exactly as we want it.
Adams has also commented on speculation that 2010 will be his last year racing in Europe, after news surfaced that he had requested and been granted a farewell meeting late this year.
“I have made no secret of the fact that my career is drawing to a close and yes, I have asked for a farewell meeting, simply because the request had to be submitted early to the BSPA for the option to be available to me, but I’d prefer it if my wife and I were able to make a firm decision before anything is officially announced.
“It is a big decision and once I make an announcement there will be no turning back I can assure you. I am the sort of person that thinks about these things long and hard before saying anything and that will be the case this time too”.
Leigh will spend another 9 days in Australia before returning to Europe, where his children will return to school on January 11.
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Australia’s Leigh Adams has agreed terms with the Swindon Robins for season 2010
and he now returns to Australia for a month’s break with his future settled in the UK, Poland and Sweden.
Adams says he’s happy to have his contracts settled and he can now focus on doing a good job for each of his three teams.
“I’m feeling good about 2010, but I suppose it will feel a little different when I watch the World Championship Rounds on TV the first couple of times, having been a part of it for so long.
“I hope the decision not to take part in the Grand Prix Series will free up some time for the family, but I’m certainly not going to be taking it easy.
“The UK league is very busy and even more so if we get a few rain offs at the start of the year before the better weather arrives”.
Adams returns to the Robins having lead them to second place in the 2009 campaign and he will return to Leszno in Poland and Lejonen in Sweden.
Leigh’s four week visit to Australia will not involve any racing, with the 39 year old acknowledging that the extensive travelling and busy schedule has a more telling affect on him than it would have previously.
He has not, however, ruled out riding in the Australian Championship in the future.
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Leigh was guest of honour at the recent STAR's night (Glasgow speedway Supporters Club).
"It was a real honour to be asked to attend this function and we all had a fantastic time in Glasgow. I would like to wish the Club, continued success."
Pictures by Ron MacNeill |
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As the dust settles on his Grand Prix career, ten times Australian Champion and eight times Grand Prix winner, Leigh Adams, says he has no regrets about pulling the pin on his World Championship aspirations.
The 39 year old was simply superb as he roared to second place in his last ever Grand Prix at Bydgoszcz on Saturday night, but he still believes the time is right to move on.
"I've had a good run" he said.
"The Grand Prix series is great for the sport and I've enjoyed every minute of it, but it can be a little relentless too and I need to slow down a bit and spend some time with my children while they are still young.
"I had a good last meeting and I'm very pleased to have made it onto the podium, hopefully it is some sort of reward for my team and sponsors, who have endured this very disappointing season with me.
"Their efforts have always been appreciated and it's been an absolute blast".
Meanwhile, Adams was quick to pour cold water on the misconception that he has retired altogether.
"I have not quit speedway, only the World Championship.
"I still have ambitions as far as the league titles are concerned and although I'm not certain how many years I will go on, you will definitely see me racing in Europe in 2010", he concluded.
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© Leigh Adams 2010. All Rights
reserved. |
| Digital reproduction strictly prohibted. |
| Unlawful usage of images of Leigh Adams or LARacing obtained from any other source or unapproved third party may result in legal action. |
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