Ryan Rainey has become the second high profile Irish motorcycle racer within a few days to hang up his leathers. The 25-year-old has been a regular competitor in the British Superstock championship and at the North West 200.
He had been due to make his debut at the Isle of Man TT this year and was also contemplating competing at the Ulster Grand Prix for the first time.
"I'm not enjoying my racing the same as I have done in the past as the team is struggling for money," said Rainey.
The Dundrod rider added that it now takes "ridiculous amounts of money to be competitive at a high level".
"I have been just a wee bit off the pace at the British championship and that is mainly because you need a lot more cash to do the thing properly."
Previously a mechanic for James Courtney, Rainey began racing in 1997 and won the Race of the North title at Nutt's Corner in 2004.
He also finished sixth in races at the North West 200 on three occasions.
He qualified well for last week's North West races but suffered mechanical failures on raceday.
Lifford rider Raymond Porter retired from racing on Monday after the North West 200.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 