JOHN Burrows has confirmed his retirement from road racing.
Burrows, a leading contender at the national road races and a former top 10 finisher at the Isle of Man TT, has called time on his career following the death of his close friend, Trevor Ferguson, who was killed in a crash at the Manx Grand Prix.
The 40-year-old from Dungannon is the second top figure to quit the sport following Castlecaulfield man Mr Ferguson’s death, with Ryan Farquhar also hanging up his leathers after the crash that claimed his uncle’s life.
Yesterday, both riders completed a parade lap on Trevor’s 750cc Suzuki and Triumph 675 machines at the Killalane road races in north County Dublin, the final Irish meeting of the 2012 season.
Burrows made his decision to quit immediately following the fatal crash on the Isle of Man.
He told the News Letter: “I can’t take the risks any more and I had been thinking about retiring even before Trevor’s accident.
“But I made my mind up after he was killed and my decision has nothing to do with Ryan quitting.
“I’m going to miss the sport but that’s me finished with it. Rachel [John’s wife] is pregnant with our second child and I have to think of my family,” he added.
“Rachel is delighted that I’ve quit and so is all my family.
“I was never a superstar like Ryan but I can look back and be proud of what I’ve done because I never imagined that I’d be racing at the top level or finishing in the top 10 in a Superbike race at the TT.”
Last week, Burrows paid tribute to Mr Ferguson in an interview with the News Letter, describing him as “much more than a friend”.
“Trevor was much more than a friend to me. He just wasn’t another rider in the paddock,” said Burrows.
“My life will go on, but poor Doris [Mr Ferguson’s wife] and his kids will never be able to put it out of their minds for a long time.
“No-one had a bad word to say about Trevor. He would have moved a mountain for you.
“He was such a safe and steady rider and he didn’t care whether he finished first or last and I can say that from my heart.”
Mr Ferguson’s funeral took place in his home village of Castlecaulfield on Friday.
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