From a press release:

Injuries Force Retirement for Leonardo Venega

With great sadness, it has become painfully apparent to me that I will have to end my professional racing career. Because of my street accident in July of 2001, my leg and my physical stamina have seriously degraded. I am not able to perform at my physical peak for the extended period of time that racing at the professional level requires.

So it becomes necessary for me to retire from active continuous participation at the professional level, that is the AMA. I am grateful for all the support that my sponsors have given me throughout my career. Without them, it would have been impossible.


(Editorial Note: Venega has hit broadside by a car while riding his streetbike in Miami and suffered serious injuries.)