Following his crash at Knockhill in Scotland recently, former British 125cc Champion Michael Wilcox has decided to hang up his leathers and announced his retirement from the sport after numerous years of competitive racing.
In a career spanning 20 years, the 41-year-old Lincolnshire racer from Torksey near Lincoln has seen much success. He worked his way up from club racing in the early days to contesting and eventually winning the British 125cc Championship in 2003.
The same year saw Wilcox produce his best result at the TT when he finished on the podium in second place and in 2008 he finally managed to take the win at the North West 200 in Ireland after finishing on the podium in either second or third place over the past few years.
The one milestone missing from his illustrious CV is a wild card ride in the World championship at the British Grand Prix. Although Wilcox was disappointed not to be able to represent his country the only thing preventing him doing so was his age.
There is an age restriction in the 125cc world championship class and with Wilcox being well into his 30s at the time he was deemed to old to ride.
“I must admit I am disappointed, it’s the one race that has eluded me and I know I would have done well at Donington. But the decision was in the hands of the championship organisers and they came back to me with a decisive no so that was that and I had to accept it.”
Over the years Wilcox has always been at the forefront of British 125cc racing and has always been willing to give advice to up and coming youngsters and will be keen to continue to pass on his vast experience to anyone who asks.
Just 12 months ago Wilcox crashed heavily in practice for his home race at Cadwell Park. He was airlifted to Lincoln County hospital where he spent four weeks nursing some badly broken ribs.
“I very nearly retired then,” explained Wilcox. “But I wanted to get back on the track and try to win the North West. It’s a win that has eluded me for years and something I really wanted to win. This year I was determined and eventually I won the race.
“But the rest of the 2008 season has been a non-event for me really. Apart from a second place at Thruxton I have spent more time in the kitty litter due to crashes and breakdowns this year.
“The crash at Knockhill really scared me. Not that I am frightened of crashing but it made me think of the consequences for my family. I could easily have ended up in a wheelchair or worse and it has made me think very hard about my plans for the future.
“I have not been enjoying my racing this year and perhaps the time is right for me to retire. I want to spend more time with the family – my wife Sharon and daughters Caitlin (aged nine) and Roisin (aged 6) and do some of the things they want to do. They have supported me through the good times and bad of my racing career so its time for me to support the girls in what they would like to do for a change.
“On saying that I will still get to some of the meetings and perhaps help out an up and coming lad on an informal basis from time to time.”
Wilcox will be at Cadwell Park over the weekend to watch his former opponents in their championship challenge so if you see him there do say hello and wish him luck in whatever he chooses to do in the future. The paddock wont be the same without you Michael.
