Hodgson hangs up his leathers

Former World Superbike champion Neil Hodgson is retiring from professional racing.

The Isle of Man resident has been plagued by injuries since a major crash while motocrossing in California last year.

In the first race of the 2010 British Superbike series at Brands Hatch last month Hodgson came off his bike and exacerbated a shoulder injury, which has led to the decision to hang up his leathers.

It's not all doom and gloom though, as the 36-year-old is looking forward to cutting himself a bit of slack (play audio file):

Neil Hodgson was British Superbike champion in 2000 and World Superbike champion three years later.