BACON CALLS IT A DAY

TOM Bacon has announced his decision to retire from the sport.

The Kent and Wolverhampton racer has twice battled back from serious back injuries and recurring shoulder issues, and has suffered further crashes since the start of the current campaign.

He said: “Having to recover from these injuries and then missing time with the pandemic has made coming back to racing very difficult, and I am struggling with the mental aspect of it all.

“It was my dream to become a speedway rider from an early age when I was just a fan, but only came into the sport late, getting my first ride in the National League at the age of 22.

“Since then I’ve been able to live my dream, racing professionally with and against my heroes and in front of fans all around the country.”

Kings promoter Len Silver said: “Tom’s decision, although very bad news for both Kent and Wolverhampton, is fully understandable and we wish him a bright future out of racing.

“We are currently searching for any possible replacement that may be available and, so far, have found no-one. Both Chris (Hunt) and myself are considering using one of our own riders with an eye on the future, but no decision has been made yet.”