Today, Kawasaki announced that Akira Yanagawa's run as their WSC factory rider is over.

Yanagawa, 30, won three World Superbike races (Austria '97, Japan '97 and Japan '99) and finished as high as fourth in the championship in his five years as Kawasaki's number one rider. Yanagawa also finished on the podium twice at the Suzuka Eight Hours race.

Akira will continue with Kawasaki as the development rider for their GP program and ride in the Japanese Superbike series. He could return to international competition in 2003.

Injuries always seemed to strike unlucky Akira, the toughest being his 1998 crash at Laguna Seca in which he was fortunate to escape with his life when Doug Chandler's riderless Kawasaki struck Yanagawa in the Corkscrew.

Here is the text from the Kawasaki release:

Starts

Akira Yanagawa will be returning to Japan to develop the new GP1 venture for Kawasaki. He will compete in the Japanese Superbike series for 2002 to keep his racing skills finely tuned for a possible return to international racing in 2003.

Kawasaki Racing Team Eckl would like to bid one of its true Champions good bye with this open letter to the man that helped start it all

"Dear Akira,

"You have been an inspiration to so many people throughout your time with Team Eckl. You not only touched everyone in your own special way, not just a true gentleman but a genuine nice guy.

"You are one of the most enduring figures here at Kawasaki Racing Team Eckl starting from the very beginning and making the transition for the team from Grand Prix to a Superbike and Supersport powerhouse. You were one of the most valuable people in the early days with Team Eckl lending support right from the outset. For many years you have been a welcome link back to Japan making communications all the more effective and we are indebted to you forever.

"Your riding was one of the most entertaining ever seen on the 'Green Machine?' never once wanting to settle for anything less than first across the line. With two race wins and countless minor placings in World Superbike stamp you into the annals of all race fans as one of the true Kawasaki Champions.

"There is a special place in the hearts of everyone privileged enough to have worked with you and we hope you continue to follow your dreams.

"It will be hard to watch Superbike racing and not see the charismatic, fun loving Akira Yanagawa riding his trusty Kawasaki any more.

"Let this not be seen as the end but the start of a new beginning. We all wish you well for the future.

"Farewell and Good-luck. Kawasaki Racing Team Eckl."

Akira said, "I must thank everyone at Kawasaki Racing Team for having the faith in me from the beginning. Unfortunately I couldn't finish my final race so I will have to work even harder to come back and race again. I will try to make the best GP1 race bike for Kawasaki so I can return to finish what I started. To all my fans thank you for all your support.

"Every time I rode the Kawasaki and saw you in the stands urging me on I pushed even harder. I must thank you for pushing my spirit to go even faster."

Harald Eckl finally closed this chapter saying, "Everyone in the world knows Akira Yanagawa. Akira is an honourable gentleman both in his approach to racing and to his life. Without you my team would not be what it is today. Thank you for everything you gave to us."