Last year's Irish Superbike Champion Kirk Jamison has announced his retirement from competition, saying that although he still loves the sport, he has to think with his head instead of his heart after suffering serious injuries in a crash at Croft.

The popular Irishman had a big off at the Yorkshire circuit earlier in the season which resulted in five fractures and soft tissue bleeding of the spine plus several collapsed discs. He also dislocated his collarbone and suffered various soft tissue injuries to the pelvis, knee and ankle, one of which still requires an operation later this year.

Despite making excellent progress with his rehabilitation in the past six months the Commercial manager with H&J Martin has accepted the long term affects of the crash leave him with no alternative but to hang up his leathers.

“I haven’t lost any of my passion for the sport and was still sorely tempted to make a return but decided it's time to think with my head instead of my heart for the good of my long term health, family and employment," he said.

"I won’t be walking away from the sport, it has been a major part of my life to date including nearly fifteen years as a competitor and I am sure I will continue to be involved for many years to come in some capacity.

“Of course I had other ambitions which I won’t get to fulfil; none more so than the North West 200 where I had high hopes of a result in the Supertwins race riding for Ryan Farquhar. I have had a great run though and in the end am lucky to be walking away rather than wheeled away. You gain a lot of perspective when you end up like I did in April and I am thankful every day that I can get out of bed - thanks in the major part to the superb and immediate medical attention we receive at races.

"The sport has been fantastic to me; I have met some wonderful people along the way and have many amazing memories. Through the generosity of my family, Supporters' Club and sponsors I have done what many only dream of doing, I cannot thank everyone enough.

"So many people have invested so much time, effort and heartache over the years that it is impossible to properly thank them all. Special mention to my Dad though who got me into the sport, if it wasn’t for him I would have never got to try it. I would also like to pass on my thanks to all the unsung heroes of our sport: the race officials, medical teams, media outlets and photographers without whom it wouldn’t be possible and many of whom have become firm friends.”