Speedway: Lawson breaks silence to explain why he is quitting

Published on Friday 18 February 2011 12:12

EDINBURGH MONARCHS will have a second new squad member this season after William Lawson today refused to change his mind about not riding this season.

Lawson has rejected the introduction of new silencers to the sport and revealed: "I have decided to quit speedway and I intend to put all my equipment up for sale."

Lawson says the new silencers, which can cause some engines to overheat, are untried and he is not willing to take the gamble with them.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening News, Lawson said: "I have definitely retired, had the new silencers not been brought in, I would have ridden this season.

"There was a problem with these silencers a year ago and nothing has been done about them, even world champion Tomasz Gollob doesn't want to use them.

"To start the season with something which is untested under racing conditions is something I'm not prepared to do.

"I couldn't be sure how the silencer would work and I might have struggled to score points, and not just at Armadale." While many have suggested that Lawson would simply have been in the same boat as all the other riders' who will have to fit them, he said: "This is what everyone keeps saying, but I believe there are better options out there.

"The new silencers are also too costly to run and it's a fine line between getting your bike to ride well or not.

"I know you could possibly use a road racing or moto-cross silencer which makes less noise without affecting a bike's performance, but the FIM, who run speedway worldwide, will not allow it, it's their preferred silencer or nothing."

Lawson's decision to walk away from speedway has surprised his dad William Snr who said: "I have been trying to get him to change his mind but without any success, he is sticking to his view that because the silencers have come in he's out, and it's a bit disappointing to be honest."

Lawson, who lives in Auchterarder, insists he won't miss racing. "I lead quite a busy life and I have other interests away from speedway, I won't be bored. This is me out of the sport for good."