Former MotoGP, WorldSBK and British Superbike rider Broc Parkes will step back from competition in 2021 to spend more time with his family.

The Australian had been slated to race for the Yamaha squad in Australian Superbikes but has decided against another season in the saddle.

He issued this statement today:

It is with deep regret and sincerest apologies that I find myself writing this letter. After careful consideration and much deliberation, I have come to the decision that I cannot commit to riding/racing this year and will step back from my racing commitments with YRT.

I returned to Australia permanently to spend more time and to start to live a ‘normal’ life with my children. They have spent their entire life either following me around or waiting on my race commitments, but I feel now is the right time that I make my family my priority and be a part of their everyday lives.

Recent time away testing again showed me than I can no longer care for my children and race, giving each the time, dedication and commitment they all deserve. It is time for me to put their wants and needs first and honour my commitment as their dad.

Commitment, age and finances just may have caught up with me. Due to the numerous difficulties everybody suffered during Covid, the personal sponsors I had hoped to procure are no longer viable. Combine that with my want and need to spend time with my family and at home, now is the right time to step back from racing.

I am very grateful for the faith Yamaha had in myself and the years I have worked with not just YRT, but Yamaha on a global scale. Yamaha invested in my ability and increased my knowledge and continued to offer me the very best of opportunities that allowed me to race at the highest levels around the world.

While this might be my retirement from racing, it isn’t me stepping away from the sport that I loved and has given me so much. I will continue to work with Yamaha Australia and YRT/ YRD in a testing and mentoring role throughout the 2021 season. With 23 years of road racing experience, I’m excited to pass on as much as I can and will be at selected events and test days this year to work with not just the YRT riders and bikes but also any Yamaha rider in the ASBK paddock – from OJC to Superbikes.

I understand that this is a late stage to be making this decision as the ASBK season approaches but it literally only came to me in recent days as I have thought about my future.

Thank you to all those that have supported me over my career and looking forward to catching up with everyone at the track and in my new role.