Calling time on a roads career that has provided multiple memorable moments, Callum ‘Skoot’ Laidlaw has recently announced his retirement from road racing.
Third within the Lightweight encounter of last years MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix, a very productive 2017 on the roads also saw the popular racer score victory in the 400 class at Skerries, plus overall finish third in the Irish road race 400 championship.
Photo by Rod Neill
In a roads career, which has seen him always give 100 percent and more, he’s steadily developed into an accomplished Mountain Course competitor, epitomised by notching up last year a top 15 finish in the Bennetts Lightweight TT.
Reflecting on his time competing at the TT Races, plus much more, Callum in a statement last evening issued via Facebook, stated:
“Want to let everyone know that I am giving up racing on the roads! Not an easy decision to make but it’s for the best.
Few things have happened lately that has made me think about life. I have always dreamed of being a TT racer since I was tiny and I have competed in it 3 times now and I’m very proud of that.
Can’t thank everybody that has helped me over the years to reach my dreams you are all great people and I owe you big time. What me and my dad have achieved over the years I am proud of, raced at nearly every circuit in the UK and every road race and results weren’t too bad.
Time to move on and try new things now. I am lucky to have done what I have done. But it’s time now to start thinking more about the future like marrying my best friend next year also want to buy a house and possibly start a family.
I am still going to be doing the odd short circuit race to keep my hand in and I’m lucky that RT&E race team will be helping with this. Sorry to the sponsors that said they would help me this year I’m sure you will understand my decision, thank you everyone.”
Words by Stevie Rial