After 20 years of riding for Monster Energy Kawasaki, including amateur and professional competition, Adam Cianciarulo is retiring.
The 27-year-old will take a permanent step away from the sport when the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season concludes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 11.
“I was seven years old when I signed with Kawasaki, and from my amateur career with Team Green to turning pro and my time in the 250 class with Pro Circuit, to the last four years with factory Kawasaki at the highest level in our sport, here we are 20 years later and I couldn’t be more proud of the relationship we have built and our accomplishments together,” Cianciarulo noted in a Kawasaki press release.
The Florida native won 11 titles at Loretta Lynn’s AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship — the most of any rider — and earned his lone AMA Pro Motocross title as a 250cc class rider in 2019.
Across the board, Cianciarulo has won 11 Supercross main events and nine overall motocross rounds in his professional career.
“My love for racing, and our sport in general, is stronger than ever, and I look forward to the future with the same excitement I had as a kid dreaming of the career I was so fortunate to have had,” Cianciarulo said.
This year marked the fan-favorite rider’s fifth season racing in the 450cc class. So far this year, his best finish on the No. 9 Kawasaki was ninth at round two in San Francisco, Calif., on Jan. 13.
During a two-minute video Cianciarulo posted to social media following the announcement, he cited nerve damage in his left hand as one of the main factors in his decision to retire. It has been an ongoing struggle to heal the injury, which has likewise affected his performance on the motorcycle over the past few years.
“It’s been really difficult on me…every Saturday it’s been something that’s holding me back. It’s been a struggle for me mentally,” Cianciarulo said. “But I’m completely at peace with this decision (to step away).”
Dan Fahie, Sr. Manager of Kawasaki Racing, commented, “His (Cianciarulo’s) talent and dedication to Monster Energy Kawasaki have been unparalleled, leaving an unforgettable mark on our team and the sport as a whole. We’re grateful for his contributions and proud to have been part of his journey.
“Adam’s legacy will continue to inspire both on and off the track.”
Cianciarulo’s longtime mechanic, Justin Shantie, recently departed the team to pursue an opportunity on Ty Gibbs’ NASCAR Cup Series crew. Gibbs’ is sponsored by Monster Energy.