Sykes will consider BSB and MotoAmerica, has no concrete plans at present
Tom Sykes looks set to leave WorldSBK after spending the last 13 years of his career in the championship.
The former 2013 world champion competed in his final races of the season during last weekend’s season finale in Mandalika, which was also his first weekend back since suffering a concussion in Catalunya.
Sykes claimed tenth in the opening race before going on to take P5 the afternoon’s wet race two.
But despite that, a move away from WorldSBK looks fairly inevitable for the 36 year-old who has confirmed that heading back to BSB or a move to MotoAmerica will be considered.
"There’s no confirmation yet. Still looking at the moment. In an ideal world I would have continued in the world championship as I’ve been here for 13 years and I have the level to continue," said Sykes.
"But as one door closes another one opens and there are other things going on in the world, so I’ll look a little bit further afield yet. I would consider them (BSB and AMA) because my passion is racing motorcycles."
While rumours of Sykes remaining in WorldSBK for 2022 floated around the paddock during last weekend’s Mandalika round, it’s unlikely to happen as Sykes would have to take a non factory ride, something he’s never done since being in the series.
As for BSB, Sykes spent two full-time years in the championship which would mean a return to a series he knows, and also different types of tracks.
"In those championships (BSB and AMA) you mentioned the tracks are a bit more narrow etc, etc, but even when I was world champion and working with my crew chief at the time in Marcel [Duinker]; I was racing at Laguna Seca and said to Marcel I would love to race here (AMA) one day. So that’s a big interest," added Sykes.
"I know BSB. I’ve been there and I know that they run a very well organised championship, a very competitive one as well, so if I go there I’ll have a target on my back which might be a bit of fun as well.
"So, for sure I would consider it because this year I turned 36 year-old but I feel 25. I’m enjoying my racing."
