THE GRIN STEPS DOWN FROM ILLUSTRIOUS RACING CAREER

The most enigmatic smiler of World Speedway, Greg Hancock, has announced his full retirement of racing after a career that has seen him collect four world championship titles.

The Grin, as he is affectionately known also featured prominently in Poole's 2013 Elite league championship success when he was sensationally signed by Matt Ford to cover the absence of the 2012 World Champion Chris Holder.

49 year old Hancock was a qualifier for every GP season but last year sat the championship out to care for his wife Jenny who is battling cancer. In a statement issued today Hancock admits "Over the last 12 months of missing a full racing season, I've had much time to reflect on my amazing career. 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."

The Californian won 25 of his 51 rides for the Pirates during his 11 match stint, scoring 105 plus 2 bonus points, a statistic that co-Promoter Danny Ford admits "that comes as no surprise as Greg is true world class and his arrival in August 2013 certainly turned our fortunes around that year. It was a major signing that Dad pulled off and having Greg around was unreal. He is such a great guy, a real gentleman and professional and on behalf of everyone at Poole Speedway I would like to wish Greg all the very best in his retirement and send our best wishes to his wife Jenny at the same time."