Former national Motocross champion Luke George has made a shock decision to retire from professional racing at the age of 20.

The Chad Reed Racing/Monster Energy/Kawasaki rider announced his retirement today via a press release from Kawasaki Australia, opting to sit out the remainder of Super X in order to focus on the next stage of his life.

“I’m sure this will come as a big surprise to many but it’s time for me to focus on the next stage of my life,” George commented. “I’m not sad in any way, I’m very content and happy but I feel in my gut that it’s time to retire. I want to focus on the next stage of my life while I’m still young and able to give it 110 percent.”

In announcing his retirement, George thanked a host of supporters from throughout his career.

“Thanks to Critto [Ian Crichton] – he is so awesome to have in your corner,” George began. “He kept me totally focused and made me give more and more because he always went above and beyond what I ever expected. My Kawasakis for Super X were just amazing.

“Troy [McHenry] and I tested heaps and he got the bikes exactly the way I wanted them. Nothing was too hard or unreachable and his ability to see exactly what I needed made my bike so good. The one thing I cherish most of all with Critto and Troy is the great friendship we have and having these two in my corner for Super X gave me the best chance of succeeding this year.

“But mentally something was missing and if I’m not going for the win, I can’t be out there filling up the numbers – 100 percent or nothing.

“This next one is hard for me. Thank you to Chad Reed. Chad has supported me through everything, as a sponsor, mentor, idol and most importantly, as my best friend. Not wanting to let him down has been a big factor in me trying so hard, wanting to follow in his footsteps. This is where I learnt my 100 percent or nothing attitude. Thanks heaps mate.”

“Last but not least I would like to sincerely thank all the fans, friends and family that have made the last 15 years of my life truly unforgettable. You all hold a special place in my life. I wouldn’t change the last 15 years for anything.

“Also big thanks to all of my sponsors who have supported me this year including Chad Reed Racing, Monster Energy, Kawasaki, Thor, Motul, Renthal, Arai, Pro Circuit, One Industries, Braking, Motorcycle Specialties (MCS), Scott, Etnies, Ogio, Unit and also thanks to my former KRT manager Brett Whale who continues to be a friend.

“Whatever road I travel down now, I’ll still remember everybody that supported me. I’ll see you out at the races.”

George’s list of achievements is impressive. In the 15 years he’s been riding, George has clinched five Australian Junior Titles and the 2008 Australian Motocross Pro Lites Championship with the Kawasaki Racing Team.

George also had the opportunity to compete against the world’s best when he scored a ride at a 2009 round of the AMA MX Championship in the USA on a Pro Circuit Kawasaki.

George has always been regarded as a rider who gives 110 percent all the time. His intense training and fitness regime is well known in the industry and his all-in attitude towards anything he sets his mind to brought him great success in the sport and also saw him through a life threatening injury at the end of 2009.

After waking from a week long coma, the result of a heavy race crash at Coolum, George immediately focused on getting better and stunned doctors and physicians as he healed much quicker than anybody anticipated, bar Luke.

Unbelievably George was able to return to such a level of health where he was not only able to race again, but race competitively.

Kawasaki finalised their release by thanking George for the success he brought the brand. George proved himself to be an extremely dedicated and successful athlete who was a winner on the track and a truly likeable person off the track.

Kawasaki is totally confident of Luke George’s success in anything he sets his mind to in the future.