Rennie Scaysbrook | June 7, 2019
Australian road racer Anthony West has quit road racing and released a social media tirade against the sport’s governing body, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme).
West, a former MotoGP factory racer for Kawasaki as well as WorldSSP race winner, has been in career limbo for nearly two years following a suspected positive drug test and international license suspension in 2018 in which the FIM stated “an Adverse Analytical Finding of a non-specified substance under Section 6 (Stimulants) of the 2018 FIM Prohibited List” was found in West’s urine sample.
This is the second time the Australian has allegedly tested positive to a banned substance. In 2012 while competing in the Moto2 World Championship for Qatari-based team QMMF, West tested positive for methylhexaneamine, a substance banned under the FIM Anti-Doping Code, but commonly found in nasal decongestant sprays. He has categorically denied any wrongdoing in both cases.
However, it now appears West will no longer participate in any form of motorcycle sport, following an expletive-filled Facebook post in which he takes straight aim at the FIM for “destroying my life.”
West Hits Back at the FIM
“F**k FIM I’m done with this sport!!!!” The post begins. “You will never see me on another motorcycle again in my life. You win FIM you dogs. Your (sic) really low sh*t people who should have nothing to do with the sport. FIM have pushed to make me lose my ride with Kawasaki here (in) Brazil. FIM have destroyed my life many times and have put me into depression to [the] point I wish I was dead. I’m done playing there (sic) bullshit political games. F**k you FIM.
“Sorry to all my fans who have supported me all the way since 1999 when 1st went to world championship. I love you all!!!!”
West has been a consistent figure in international road racing championships since 1999, when, as a 16-year-old, he made his debut in the 250cc World Championship for the now defunct Shell Advance team. He would amass one win in 250cc Grand Prix racing in 2003 and one in Moto2 in 2014—both in rain-affected events at Assen in Holland.
He also took wins in the World Supersport Championship for the factory Yamaha team in 2007, competed in MotoGP for the factory Kawasaki team, raced WorldSBK, World Endurance, Australian Superbike, MotoAmerica, Qatari Superbike Championship, Asia Road Racing Championship, Suzuka 8 Hours and finally the Brazilian Superbike Championship, the series he is currently leading.