Kerr admits "what a ride it's been" as he quits sport

POOLE’S title winner Lewis Kerr admitted “what a ride it’s been” after quitting the sport. 

The hugely-popular rider announced his retirement after securing a second successive league crown with the Pirates on Wednesday night. 

Kerr’s career started in 2010 with local club King’s Lynn and he has suffered huge injuries, including almost losing his life after a horrific crash at Peterborough in 2015. 

But the 36-year-old ended on a high with Poole’s glory, although ironically Kerr crashed out with concussion in the dramatic title decider. 

He said: “I’m gutted to be honest to have had to pull out tonight, but I had hit my head quite badly and thought I would be okay.

“But then my vision just sort of began to go, and it just wasn’t worth the risk and letting everybody down.

“But they covered me very well. I have had two years here with Poole and two league titles. That feels so good.”

Kerr then opened on social media with an emotional farewell to the sport. 

He said: “Well… I suppose the time has finally come.

“I’ll be hanging up my kevlars and calling time on my speedway career.

“I first got on a speedway bike back in 2010, with absolutely no idea where this sport was going to take me. If I’m completely truthful, I didn’t quite get to where I dreamed I would when I first started out. But looking back now, I think I did alright.

“I’ve won plenty along the way, made memories that will stay with me forever, raced for some great clubs and met some incredible people.

“There have definitely been plenty of lows. Some big crashes, some pretty serious injuries and times where this sport has tested me more than I ever thought it could. But the highs have massively outweighed the lows.

“To be able to say that I’ve thrown a speedway bike around in circles for a living for the last 13 years is something I’ll be forever grateful for. Not many people get to make a living doing something they genuinely love, and I’ve never taken that for granted.

“And what a way to finish it all — with Poole. To have won the league two years on the trot with this club is something special. 

“None of it would have been possible without the people who have backed me along the way. Every single sponsor I’ve ever had from small to big, you’ve helped me live this life and keep turning up at the tapes. I’ll always be incredibly grateful for that support.

“There are a few people, though, who deserve more than just a thank you.

“My wife Jessie for your support through this crazy sport and everything that comes with it. The travelling, the injuries, the good moods, the bad moods and all the sacrifices that come with being married to a speedway rider! You’ve stood beside me through it all, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

“Mum and Dad — the support you’ve given me from the very beginning has been unbelievable. From when this was nothing more than a dream, through the good nights and the horrible ones, you’ve always been there. I genuinely wouldn’t have had this career without you, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.

“One of the things that means the most to me is that Cooper and Elodie have been able to grow up watching their dad race speedway. Having my kids there, watching from the terraces and being part of this journey with me is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Hopefully, when they’re older, they’ll remember those nights watching Dad race too. Those memories mean more to me than any trophy ever could.

“And one person I have to mention personally is Fred. For the last 10 years he’s been my mechanic, but that doesn’t really cover what he’s done for me. 

“He’s been there through the good meetings, the bad meetings, the wins, the crashes, the endless travelling and all the work that nobody sees behind the scenes. Ten years is a hell of a journey to share with someone, and I genuinely couldn’t have done it without you, mate. Thank you.

“There are so many other people I want to thank — my family, friends, sponsors, mechanics, teammates, promoters and every supporter who has cheered me on, bought some merchandise, stopped for a photo or simply wished me luck over the years.

“Speedway has given me far more than just trophies and results. It’s given me a life, friendships, memories and experiences that I’ll carry with me forever.

“What a ride it’s been. Thank you, speedway.” 

Words by Phil Lanning. 

Images by Taylor Lanning.