Adams to quit at end of season (From Swindon Advertiser)

Adams to quit at end of season

6:00am Thursday 4th February 2010

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SWINDON legend Leigh Adams has confirmed what many Robins fans feared - he is quitting speedway at the end of the upcoming season.

Rumours have circulated for some time that the Blunsdon skipper would call it a day after the 2010 campaign, and those rumours intensified when he requested, and was granted, a farewell meeting by the British Speedway Promoters’ Association.

And although the Abbey Stadium favourite always insisted he had not decided on his plans to quit at that time, he has since made a firm decision on the direction of his career.

“We are finishing up at the end of the season,” said Adams.

“It’s been a great career for me but all good things must come to an end, and just at the moment it feels right.

“There’s a few different factors. I want to go out at the top and still feel I can put maximums in.

“And the family have got a part to play and I’ve got to start thinking about them.”

The 38-year-old plans to head to Australia in the winter with wife Kylie and children Declyn and Casey, to settle permanently in his home country.

And although he revealed he would like a farewell meeting in Mildura, his home town, Adams said it was unlikely he would do much, if any, racing Down Under.

The announcement over his future means the Sultan of Slide’s final race action in Britain will be at his farewell meeting at the Abbey Stadium on Sunday, October 17.

It is expected that a number of big-name speedsters will take part in the event, which looks certain to draw a huge crowd.

“Hopefully we can come up with a good field,” said Adams, whose biography is due to be released in the summer.

“There’s lots of good guys I’ve ridden with that I would love to call on, and also get some Grand Prix riders.”

Meanwhile, Robins manager Ronnie Russell has spoken of his ‘sadness’ at the decision of his long-time friend.

“I for one will be very sad when Leigh finishes racing,” said Russell.

“I have a close rapport with Leigh and I think he’s special.

“If there’s any nice part of it, it’s that he will go out at the top of his game.”

When Adams finishes up, it will bring the curtain down on a magnificent career that has seen the him collect a raft of individual and team titles.

He has triumphed in the Australian Championships no fewer than 10 times and been World Cup champion twice, amongst a long list of international successes.

In Britain. he has won a host of honours including the Elite League (twice), the Knockout Cup (twice) and the Elite League Riders’ Championship.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Simon Stead and Seb Ulamek will ride in the Bob Kilby Memorial meeting on Thursday, March 18.

The duo join Adams, triple world champion Nicki Pedersen, Hans Andersen and Steve Johnston as confirmed starters for the event.

Swindon Greyhounds and the Robins Pit Crew supporters are holding a fundraising night at the Abbey Stadium on Friday, February 26.

Tickets are £3 and include admission plus a race card (over 18s only). All the money from ticket sales will go directly to the Robins’ Riders’ Equipment Fund.

For further details ring 07588 409208 or email pitcrew@swindon-speedway.co.uk.

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