Editorial Note: The following is the English translation of an open letter issued by racer Shinya Nakano announcing his retirement from professional racing. To everyone who have supported me, I send this news on a short notice, but I have decided to retire from racing at the end of this season. I’ve concentrated on treatment after breaking my collarbone during Round 3 in Spain and straining my neck in Round 11 in Germany, but by missing a few races, I’ve been a burden to my team as well as to others involved. If feel that as a professional rider, it’s time to stop racing if I’m not in a perfect condition to do so. I’ve given this a lot of thought the past few weeks, and I’ve come to this decision through my own will. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the motorcycle manufacturers who believed in my potential and offered me contracts, to the sponsors supporting the race, and to the fans that have always supported me. Because of your support, I’ve been able to ride professionally for 13 years and participate in the World Championships for 11 years, and I have had many precious experiences. From now on, if I can use such experiences to good use, I would like to keep contributing to the motorcycle world. I am looking forward to seeing you all in racing circuits in the near future, under different circumstances from now on. Thank you very much for your support. Shinya Nakano