Double world superbike champion Colin Edwards has announced plans to retire from motorcycle racing at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old, nicknamed the ‘Texas Tornado’, has chosen to call time on his 22-year career ahead of his home MotoGP event at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin,Texas this weekend.

Edwards reiterated he will see out the 2014 MotoGP campaign with NGM Forward Racing.

“In testing this year I could see that I need to change my riding style and it is against my instinct to ride differently so that has had an affect,” said Edwards.

“I want to spend more time with my wife and my children and of course I want to say thanks to Yamaha and everyone who has helped me in my career.”

Over the years Edwards developed into one of America’s great two-wheel talents.

He first burst onto the scene in 1995 competing in the World Superbike Championship before going on to win two world titles in 2000 and 2002 for Honda.

After eight years in World Superbikes, Edwards made the switch to MotoGP, where he has been a regular fixture on the grid.

Although yet to stand on the top step of the podium, the Texas Tornado has scooped an impressive 1238 points achieving a best championship finish of fifth in 2009.

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