Image: MXN.

Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Wade Kirkland this week announced he will step away from professional racing altogether, just three rounds into the 2017 Motul MX Nationals championship.

Making the announcement via social media, the Tasmanian explained that serious injuries are the primary reason behind his decision to wrap-up his beckoning career at just 17 years of age.

“I had a great experience racing motorbikes, battling with mates, having a laugh about the races, enjoying the freedom of where a dirt bike can take you,” Kirkland said. “As much as I did love racing, due to my past injuries and many other things I’ve decided to give it away.”

After recovering from multiple injuries during a supercross training incident, Kirkland admitted the thought of doing further damage to his body lingered in the back of his mind while on-track.

“I broke two vertebrae in my neck, broke my collarbone and two bones in my wrist all in one crash,” Kirkland explained. “All I did was over-jump a jump during supercross training and the doctors couldn’t believe that I was moving around as I could of potentially been paralysed.

“It’s the only thing I thought about when I raced and was always worried about what could happen now that I’m more fragile to hurting that area. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped me along the way, especially mum and dad. I’m super-appreciative of it all – thanks.”

At this point in time a replacement rider for Kirkland at Raceline Pirelli KTM has not been announced, however it is anticipated that the factory-backed organisation does have plans to draft in an alternate option alongside Jayden Rykers (MX2) and Morgan Fogarty (MXD).