Supercross and Motocross rider Davi Millsaps has announced his immediate retirement via an open letter.
The 30-year-old, who won the 2016 East Coast 250 Supercross championship, was contracted to race for the Yamaha Factory Team this season but was forced to sit out the start of the season with injury. Justin Barcia has been successfully filling in for him. Below is the open letter from Davi:
"After 14 years as a professional Supercross and motocross racer, today, I announce my retirement from racing. Obviously, this was not an easy decision for me to make. Before the crash that I sustained back in October, I felt great while on the bike, and I was looking forward to an awesome 2018 season with my team, Monster Energy/Knich/Yamaha Factory Racing," Milsaps wrote.
"Everything was falling perfectly into place: my training, my fitness, and the bike. I had high expectations for the 2018 Supercross season. Then, the unexpected happened and life changed so fast. I was sent to the ICU with a major concussion, bleeding in and around my brain, and a shattered elbow, along with being bruised and banged up pretty much all over. After months of recovery and consulting with my neurologist and family, we came to the difficult decision that it was time for me to retire from racing.
"I say this with great sadness, and this is definitely not how I wanted to end my career. But health is a priority. When the doctor told me that he couldn‰Ûªt release me due to the risk that another impact on my head could be life-altering, not to mention life-threatening, it was pretty tough news for me to swallow. The reality of retirement was very hard to face. It brings out a bag of so many mixed emotions. It saddens me greatly to have to go out like this. I have given so much of my life to this sport. I basically grew up on a track chasing my dream.
"From the time I first rode a bike at the age of 3 till now, at almost age 30, I‰Ûªve had a blast. In return, this sport gave me an opportunity to be the best and work with the best. My racing career has brought me so many amazing opportunities, many great races competing against the sport‰Ûªs finest athletes, amazing fans, and many lifelong friends. My wife, Brittney and I were fortunate to have been able to share my career with our two kids, Dane and Bryn. I cannot begin to express my sincere gratitude to so many individuals and sponsors who have stood by me throughout my entire career. I thank you, and I am very appreciative for all you have done for my family and me.
"Supercross and Motocross fans are the best fans in the world. I thank you so much for being there for me and for all you have given me through your encouragement and love. Looking back at my wins and losses, long list of injuries, surgeries, and all of the highs and lows I‰Ûªve experienced, I wouldn‰Ûªt change a thing.
"I‰Ûªm not going to lie, I will miss it. This sport has been so good to me, and I‰Ûªm fortunate that I can walk away looking forward to the future with my family. I‰Ûªve been so lucky to have had this experience as a pro athlete, and I will cherish each and every moment of it. I truly appreciate all the support over the years. Thank you, everyone!" Millsaps concluded.
