14/2022
Following on from my recent Team GB training day incident where my head and the shale had a very unpleasant coming together. I have now had time to process the the extent of my injury, and the information from my medical consultants. In reality, I am looking at least 60 days before I can ride again. I have therefore taken one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make and announce that I am withdrawing from all racing for the remainder of the 2022 season.
The most difficult thing to understand with this type of injury is I can’t physically see it, unlike a broken arm or leg where it’s constantly in view, the bleed on my brain is not. The fog is definitely starting to lift to the point that the information from the consultants has become very real. The expected recovery time before I can be signed off as fit to begin physical exercise dramatically impacts the time scale to be fit to race.
Given the realistic time scale, I have to look at the impact on the clubs I am lucky enough to represent. Covering my absence with guests or rider replacement is only practical very short term. I know that holding open my team place and covering is not practical or in the best interests of the clubs. This is a crucial stage of the season with the push for honours and titles, so by withdrawing my hope is that a permanent replacement can but secured till the end of the season allowing the best possible outcome. As a racer, I know that winning is why we do what we do. As a fan I know the best interests of the team has to come first.
I take great inspiration from the likes of Dan Bewley and Tom Brennan in how they returned from season ending injuries to be at the level they are now. I will be using the time to reset and rebuild. Once cleared I will start an intensive programme to take full advantage of what now is my pre- season for 2023.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Team GB for the faith they placed in me and the opportunities they gave me and the never ending support that has always been there.
To Rob Godfrey, who has been a major part of my career from the start, his help and guidance has been incredible through good times and bad he has been there for me and my family.
To my sponsors both old and new, without you none of this would be possible and I will be reaching out personally to you all to express how grateful I am for your help.
To Ian Brannan and the late great Nigel Pearson who gave me the chance to feature in the Humans of Speedway podcast.
To the media, in particular The Speedway Star thank you for the features and front covers. Phil Lanning for his words and Taylor for his pictures have enabled my story to be told.
And most of all to my family, you have sacrificed so much to make this dream possible. I cannot begin to find the right words but I know together we will always be unstoppable.
In closing, Team Jordan Palin will be back - fitter, stronger and faster. J