Four-time World Speedway champion Greg Hancock, who is sponsored by NGK, has announced his retirement from the sport.

Speaking about his decision Greg said, “Over the last 12 months of missing a full racing season, I've had much time to reflect on my amazing career. Racing at the highest level, winning four World championships, team and pairs World championships amongst many domestic league championships, were amongst the most challenging and successful times of my life to date.” He added, “This last year taking care of my wife and family became life-changing in many ways and put life into a new perspective. I am pleased with my racing achievements and believe it is time to move on to a new chapter. As difficult as it is to make a decision like this, it is the right one. I have plans that will keep me close to the sport and we’ll see where that goes in the weeks ahead.”

John Money, who handles Speedway sponsorship on behalf of NGK Spark Plugs said, “Greg informed me of his plans to retire a couple of days before the official announcement was made. We’ve dealt with each other for many years and throughout he has been super professional and has been a joy to work with. He was superb on and off the track and is a big fans’ favourite and a true ambassador of the sport. On behalf of NGK, I would like to wish him, his wife Jennie and all the family the very best for the future.”

Greg’s retirement does not however mean the end of his relationship with NGK as the company also sponsors his son Wilbur. NGK will also continue as a major supporter of Speedway in 2020 and will sponsor Britain’s three-time World champion Tai Woffinden, Russian Emil Sayfutdinov, Slovenia’s Matej Zagar and Sweden’s Freddie Lindgren in this year’s World championship Grand Prix series.