Sotonian 610 Posted July 29, 2015 (edited) David Howe writes: I have been debating whether to write this or not, as if my life has any consequence to other people's but in the end I decided that some people may be interested and also it may be good for myself.I have come to the difficult decision to finish my racing career, there are a couple of reason for this and I will do my best to explain.As many know I have been carrying injuries to both shoulders for a few years now but the initial injury to my right shoulder has gradually been getting worse. To be honest the rider that went down at Worcester that day never made it off the track, I have never been the same since and physically I cannot do the things on a bike that I used to be able to do. I have tried to get back to where I was but unfortunately that goal hasn't been achieved.I am now at a stage where I am fed up of being in pain. I have sat back and watched so many riders suffering severe injuries and I keep asking myself do I want to get hurt again? The answer I now alway no.A few years ago I started to stress about what I would do when I stopped racing, it has been all I have ever known so we started to prepare for the day that it would come, I just didn't plan on it being so soon.Some riders are lucky enough to make good money from racing, most however scrape a living and break even, I fall into the later. I am one of the lucky ones that has found something away from racing that I enjoy and pays the bills, many riders carry on because it is all they know, in this regard I feel lucky that I now have a job that I enjoy, so the transition hasn't been too difficult. I didn't want to be that rider who carries on just because it's all I have ever know, slowly slipping down the ranks, I can bow out with a small amount of dignity and self respect. I could write a book about all my experiences throughout my career, on and off track, it's been an amazing ride. I have been fortunate that my three "main" clubs have been well run and a pleasure to ride for.Peterborough, I was taken under Peter Oakes wing and he helped me not only as a rider but as a person, for his help early on in my career was amazing and for this I will be ever grateful. If Peter hadn't left Peterborough I imagine I would still have been there now.I had many good years at Wolves, even though I had a love/hate relationship with the crowd at times, those years were mostly great and '07 will always be a special time for me.Then onto Scunthorpe Speedway, I loved it there, my home. Rob and Gail Godfrey are two of the greatest people I have met and I hope, certainly in the first three years I did you proud. One of the hardest thugs I have ever had to do was race against Scunthorpe but I hope you and all the fans understand that I needed to have one last go and to know.Just a quick thank you to all at glasgow speedway, we knew I wasn't fit but not to the extent, thank for making me feel so welcome and sorry it didn't work out. Also to another guy, Aaron Lanney, a tough year at Oxford Cheetahs but a great guy and I'm pleased to have ridden for you.Racing has taken me all over the world, in the last few years I have enjoyed my time doing grass and long track, going to some of the iconic tracks had been amazing.I have met some great people through the sport, if it hadn't been for racing I wouldn't have met Jaye Stevens, whom even though live in oz we are still close mates.I met Joanne Howe at Wolves but I suppose things can't always be good.Lastly thank you to my mum Janet Howe and to my dad, without both of you none of this would have been possible, and dad we started this together and we finished it together.I now move on to a new chapter in life but I am actively seeking a roll in the sport and thanks to Tracey Cossar I hope I can give something back to the sport via the ACU and maybe the fim, who knows. Anyone who knows me well knows I'm not that emotional so the fact this is hard to write says how much the sport has meant to me. I know I have never been the best or a world champion but I hope people will remember me for giving all to my clubs and whenever I have represented GB and one day I think I will look back and be proud of my achievements. This does feel like I am writing an obituary, which I suppose I am as I'm laying my career to rest but as a great man once wrote, it's better to burn out than fade away....... Edited July 29, 2015 by Sotonian 40 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tyretrax 2,253 Posted July 29, 2015 Thanks for entertaining us over the years and for your short time at Glasgow. Good luck for the future, keep on trucking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OveFundinFan 4,141 Posted July 29, 2015 I never saw David H. ride, but I wish him well for the future, it sounds like ha gave racing his all and ine cant do any more. He says he could write a book from his experiences, it sounds like it would make an interesting story. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sotonian 610 Posted July 29, 2015 It's worth adding that his record of winning 3 consecutive league titles in 3 different leagues with P'boro (CL,PL &EL) is unlikely to be repeated. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
em1500uk 190 Posted July 29, 2015 Not a complete surprise to see this sadly Good luck in the next chapter of your life and continue to have fun doing whatever you're doing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbt 87 Posted July 29, 2015 Thanks for the memories,David.Enjoy your retirement you've earned it!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crump99 4,476 Posted July 29, 2015 It's worth adding that his record of winning 3 consecutive league titles in 3 different leagues with P'boro (CL,PL &EL) is unlikely to be repeated. Also the shape and size of the Peterborough circuit is down to Mr Howe as extensive work was carried out to bring the World Under 21 final to the Showground in 2001 if my memory serves me right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCB 0 Posted July 29, 2015 As David has said himself, never a World Champion but the sport needs David Howes to survive every week. Also, from the very few number of times I've chatted to him a bloody nice guy who made no excuses for his own performances. Good luck in your retirement David! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobMcCaffery 2,752 Posted July 29, 2015 As fine a tribute to a racing career as I've ever read. Fine words and sentiments David and thank you for your part in this great sport of ours. May you find your due rewards in your future life and I hope the memories will be fond. Thanks for such a noble farewell. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevePark 2,781 Posted July 29, 2015 Write that book you mention David. Good Luck and thanks for the entertainiment you provided all down the years, especially your 15 point Max at Redcar when guesting for the Diamonds!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Star Lady 5,400 Posted July 29, 2015 (edited) What a wonderfully frank and honest farewell "note". Always liked watching David Howe, he was one of those riders the sport relies on. Consistent, honest, loyal and happy to interact with the fans. I wish him well in everything he does in the future. Edited July 29, 2015 by Star Lady 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mdmc82 2,878 Posted July 29, 2015 Good luck to David. Thanks for the memories and good luck in the future. 👍🏻 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pugwash 3,208 Posted July 29, 2015 Best wishes for the future and thanks fpr all you have put into the sport. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spencebel 181 Posted July 29, 2015 All the best David for the future.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
screm 8,057 Posted July 29, 2015 Best wishes to you for a long and happy retirement, hope the carp hear about this and are ready for many battles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
