Photo by: Hoppenworld
After a legendary eighteen-year career as a professional Supercross and Motocross rider, the 35 year-old Nick Wey announced his retirement from his Instagram account (@NickWey27) from full-time racing tonight. Nick says it’s not truly a retirement because, “I will ride and occasionally race the rest of my life,” so hopefully we will see the #27 for some years to come. Look out World Vet Champions; Nick may be coming for you.
Nick Wey’s Instagram letter to fans:
I’m not a good quitter. So I’m going to just say it before I change my mind.. I am not going to be racing full time in 2016. I’m a bit reluctant to say I’m retired because I will ride and occasionally race the rest of my life.
This picture was from one of my best days as a professional. I led briefly and held second to James Stewart for nearly ten laps. Chad eventually passed me but I finished third that night in Anaheim. I had an injury that required surgery the next weekend and this was my last podium finish.
I had plenty of good races and a win in the Lites class but I had always wanted to race with the best. This night ended up being my most competitive run at a win. I have had some great races since but the feeling I had that night at Anaheim is what kept me fighting to get back to. I have so much respect for all of the guys I raced against. I love the long days at the track and training. I’m thankful for every sponsor that dropped me, every crash and surgery. Those tough times are going to help me teach my kids to be strong and appreciative. The great people I have met during my career, I will be forever thankful for. Every team owner, team manager, mechanic, and sponsor that has supported me over the years, thank you.
Two Seven
While Nick has finished as high as 2nd in the 125 Eastern Regional Supercross Championship (1999) and as high as 5th twice (’04 and’06) in the premier Supercross class, the #27’s career was more about making his fans happy than it was about producing wins and championships. It was that attitude and his fun-loving character that created a lengthy career long after his podium days had faded away. Because of this, the legion of Nick Wey fans and a myriad of industry folks will be missing the Moto Mafia Crew rider in 2016 and beyond.
Congrats from MotoXAddicts to Nick Wey on his incredible career!!
Check out Nick’s career SX/MX finishes:
Wey’s Career SX/MX Results:
2015: 16th (SX)
2014: 15th (SX), 38th (MX)
2013: Injured, 22nd (MX)
2012: 14th (SX), 37th (MX)
2011: 10th (SX), 11th (MX)
2010: 7th (SX), 10th (MX)
2009: 14th (SX), 8th (MX)
2008: 9th (SX), 6th (MX)
2007: 14th (SX), 32nd (MX)
2006: 5th (SX), 8th (MX)
2005: 17th (SX), 9th (250 MX)
2004: 5th (SX), 7th (250 MX)
2003: 4th (SX), 11th (250 MX)
2002: 8th (SX), 12th (250 MX)
2001: 17th (SX), 4th (ESX), 12th (125 MX)
2000: 30th (SX), 4th (ESX), 6th (125 MX)
1999: 2nd (ESX), 4th (125 MX)
1998: 15th (ESX), 9th (125 MX)
1997: 32nd (125 MX)
