Image: AUS-X Open.

National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Wil Hahn has announced he will retire from the sport following this afternoon’s Australian Supercross Championship finals at AUS-X Open.

The 26-year-old American, who has been struck by injuries since joining Monster Energy Kawasaki in the US for the past two seasons, will hang up his helmet following his final Australian showing.

“​I don’t know where to begin, as this is hard for me to say,” Hahn said. “However, the AUS-X Open will be my last race as a fulltime professional racer. I know that 26 is a young age to retire from racing, but it is time for me to move on and pursue another career.

“I am still just as in love with the sport as I was when I was four years old, but sadly my body has taken a beating through the years. The injuries have taken their toll… when I have a family, I want to be able to throw a ball around with my kid!

“My career may not have been the most successful or the longest, but I sure did make a lot of friends and fans that I will always value. I grew up in a small town with a population under 100 and I’m so fortunate to have experienced the things and seen the places that I have – racing has made it all possible for me. I am so thankful to have lived out my dreams, thanks to motocross racing.”

Hahn has confirmed that he will move into a development role with the factory-backed GEICO Honda for 2017, while also working closely with its amateur team.

“The next chapter in my life is exciting and it will be a new challenge for me. It would be impossible to personally thank everyone who has helped me throughout my career and help me put my name in the record books, but I am eternally grateful. My family sacrificed everything to help me chase my dream, and I would be nowhere without them. Thank you to everyone back in Kansas who always believed in me.

I’m proud to announce that after tonight’s AUS-X final, I will assume a role with the Factory Connection Honda team to help with race team testing and will also work closely with its amateur race team. The future is bright and I can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store – I hope to see you all at the races!”