Former BSB Privateer Champion and factory front-runner Gary Mason has taken a last-minute decision not to race in 2013, saying that he is all but broke and needs to concentrate on his business interests for 'at least a year'.
The Lichfield rider had been in line to return to a team with which he had ridden previously but the money he would have had to find to do so would have left him in serious financial difficulty.
"I got to the point where I wondered if it is all worth it. I love racing but I can no longer afford to race for nothing, or for it to cost me money, so after a lot of thinking and talking with my fiancee and family, I have decided to call it a day for at least a year," said Mason, speaking to bikesportnews.com this morning.
"It's a heartbreaking situation as racing is all that I have ever done since I was a kid, but it doesn't pay the bills any more. There is also a lot of politics behind the scenes and lots of talented riders having to bring sponsors or budget to teams when frankly they should be paid sportsmen at the top of their game.
For the past couple of years, Mason has been involved in the UK part of Hornee Jeans and he will now concentrate on building the brand's presence in the UK.
"Without the pressures of racing, I can focus my attention on Hornee. It's a growing brand, there is a lot of interest both in the paddock and out. We will be sponsoring a couple of riders in BSB, so I won't be leaving it the scene entirely behind."
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends and sponsors who have made my racing career all possible, its been a great journey I hope to be back sometime in the future."
