Toni Elias, the 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, has announced via social media that this coming weekend’s MotoAmerica Superbike event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will be his last with Suzuki.

Today on his Instagram feed, 37-year-old Elias posted the following (which has not been edited):

I writing down this lines whitout any permition…just following my feelings and coming from the bottom of my heart!!! The next weekend will be my last race with Suzuki Family!!
Its been 5 years!!! What a Blast!!! We won a lot…32 wins, 60 podiums, 1 championship…Its been amazing!!!

To all staff of Suzuki Motor of America: HayasakiSan, Kerry Graever, Pat Alexander, Chris Wheeler. Yoshimura Racing: Don Sakakura, Yusaku Yoshimura. Team Hammer: John Ulrich & Chris Ulrich. To my Crewchiefs: Daisuke Hashimoto, Dave Weaver. To all my mechanics, electronics, cordonators, chefs, truck drivers. Through to best to the worst, through the joy and the pain…you guys been my family…Now my friends FOREVER.

Thank You for listen me, To undestand me, to have all the patience of the world…to follow my instinct or crazy ideas…Im not easy but soon or later we achieved what i wanted but always with your help and that made it really special!!!

Also to my strong team mates..my friends @rogerhayden95 @josh_herrin @bobbyfong50

Maybe its the last race of my career…Maybe not!!!

It will depend of many things…Im still very hungry for wins and fight for championships but this time i’ll let the destiny and universe play and decide for me!

Now Suzuki Family/ @team_hammer_inc let’s do the last one together!!!

Thank you not only to support me this years of racing..

Im grateful for much more than that.. You guys gave me the opportunity of my life…Live in USA…Where i meet my wife, where we have 3 wonderful kids and beautiful things coming!!!

Love U!!❤️

Your Rider. Toni Elias #24.

@suzukicycles
@yoshimuraracing
@team_hammer_inc
@motoamerica