Yamaha has put up an emotional tribute, farewell and thanks video for Colin Edwards, the oldest rider in the MotoGP, and showed it during the last round, at Indianapolis. After announcing he was planning to hang his leathers at the end of the 2014 season, Colin “Texas Tornado” Edwards decided to remain home in the US, so the Indy was not only his last American Race, but also his final show as a contracted rider for NGM Forward Racing.
Even though Edwards is no longer an official rider for NGM (powered by Yamaha), he will still remain involved with the team through the end of the season and help his buddies develop the bike and “set things straight” as himself declares. More so, he will still be around at several more races until the final round in Valencia, even taking part in some as a wildcard. No detailed info was offered, but he said he will be in Silverstone this year, to greet his British fans and thank them for all the support. he will be replaced by Alex de Angelis.
A 2-time World Superbike Champion, Edwards’ debuted in MotoGP in 2003, and stayed with Yamaha since 2005, with the 2012 and 2013 being the only seasons with other makers, returning in 2014 aboard a Yamaha-powered Forward bike.
Even though he has not won any MotoGP race in his lengthy career, his exceptional personality and fun-spirited approach to life have drawn massive support from fans and other guys in the industry, making Colin a truly iconic figure in the premier class paddock. At the age of forty, Colin was the oldest rider on the MotoGP grid, but his personality proved that his heart was much younger.
Alongside Yamaha, we join the road racing fans into thanking Colin for a spectacular career and wish him all the best luck in his new life, together with his family. Enjoy the video after the jump… and yes, a small tear in the corner of your eye is normal!
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