Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Trey Canard has announced he has retired from professional racing effective immediately.
Canard has been at the very top of Motocross/ Supercross for ten years and his retirement will leave a big gap in the paddock for many. Although only 26, Canard has done more in his 10 years in racing that many have done in a lifetime. The Oklahoma rider burst onto the scene in 2007 and went on to lift the 2008 AMA Supercross Lites East Championship and the 2010 after that with 11 overall wins. He then moved up to the 450 class and was a force to be reckoned with bagging 5 overalls and a very constant presence on the podium.
He was part of the USA Motocross des Nations team in 2010 and helped them grab the cup and also laid down the fastest lap time of anyone in practice!
Canard said:
"I love racing and my passion for doing so has not changed, but there comes a time in every racer’s career where you come to the realization that although the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak, and I know in my heart it’s time to call it a day. I’ve had many injuries throughout my career and have always done my best to heal and bounce back. However, I feel I am not able to push myself to the level I need to in order to be competitive at the highest level of racing. I am sad to say goodbye but also extremely grateful and thankful for the last 10 years of my life. I never could have dreamed I'd do the things I’ve been able to do, to live out a childhood dream and meet and become close with so many wonderful fans and industry people.
"I'm extremely grateful to KTM for the opportunity to work alongside everyone at the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team this last year and I am happy to end my career with the full support of the team. I’ve raced for top manufacturers and teams throughout my career and I’m honored that they chose me to race for them at the highest level of racing and represent their brands. I can't say thank you enough to my family and close friends who have been with me since day one and I hope to see everyone at the races for many years to come. This will always be a community that I cherish and feel connected to on so many levels."
Canard was given the chance to ride for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team in 2016 after HRC let him go and he lined up for a total of six AMA Supercross Championship rounds and two Pro Motocross events. I for one hoped it would be the chance for him to make a full come back but it wasn't to be.
Ian Harrison
KTM
"Trey is one of those riders who has always been great to have around. He’s such a nice guy and we have enjoyed his positivity and passion. Unfortunately things didn’t go the way we planned from both sides but we wish Trey nothing but the best, we know he will be successful in whatever he decides to do next."
Anyone who knows Motocross will miss Trey, he was a happy and positive guy and an amazing role model for the sport. He was fiercely competitive on the track and he will be missed by many. Unfortunately he was plagued with injuries though the latter part of his career and they have taken their roll on the guy.
I for one would like to take the time to thank Trey Canard for his dedication and sacrifices he has made for the sport and the countless hours of enjoyment his racing has provided us all. I know he will go on to help and mentor the next generation of riders and i wish him all the luck in the next stage of his journey :)
Thank you #41