Racer X is reporting that Ryan Hughes has retired from motocross/supercross racing. Hughes, who returned from the World Championship last year to join the Honda factory team as a test rider/racer of the new four-stroke CR450F, has had some bad luck and serious injuries lately.
A couple of months ago, Hughes got off hard at Glen Helen Raceway during practice and suffered a serious concussion. After several weeks off, Hughes returned to race the Steel City National aboard his big Honda thumper, but crashed hard, once again, in practice the day before the race. Breaking roughly six bones, including three ribs, Hughes contemplated a break before joining McGrath Racing as Jeremy McGrath’s teammate next year.
Again, according to the Racer X report, Hughes was ordered by his doctor to retire rather than risk additional concussions.
Ryan Hughes was and is a great sportsman who raced near the top of the professional ranks for many years here in the United States. Despite some hard luck during his career, Ryno never complained and always gave his best. Both of these qualities are increasingly rare, and he will be sorely missed.
