ATKINS SAYS FAREWELL

OXFORD’S Henry Atkins has called time on his racing career at the age of 23.

Atkins has represented Somerset, Plymouth and the Cheetahs at Cab Direct Championship level, but has missed the majority of the current campaign after suffering a broken finger in early May.

The finger required plating and he has been struggling to gain full use of his clutch hand, meaning he has remained on the sidelines.

Atkins, who was part of Oxford’s NDL winning team last year, said: “I would firstly like to thank my dad and family for supporting me, giving me the opportunity and always believing in me. Without you I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have.

“I would also like to thank Jamie (Courtney), Peter (Schroeck) and Kevin (Boothby) for giving me the opportunity to ride for Oxford and show what I am capable of.

“Special thanks to Andrew Appleton and his family for producing the best equipment for me to race on.

“Lastly thank you to my loyal sponsors. You’ve helped to fund my racing for 17 years and I couldn’t have done it without you all.”