Andrew Stroud enjoyed an extensive and successful career as a Suzuki loyalist. Image: Suzuki Motorcycles NZ.

Nine-time New Zealand Superbike Champion Andrew Stroud has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 45.

Stroud’s successful career has spanned an incredible 27 years, beginning as a teenager in 1986.

He won his first national title two years later, kick-starting a career that saw him race in a broad range of categories and classes both domestically and on a global level.

Stroud told the New Zealand Herald the decision was made with no regrets.

“I have been thinking about retiring for a couple of years now and played with the option of going again one more time this season,” he said.

“But it was just time for me to retire. It was completely my decision to retire and Karyn (Stroud’s wife) has been very supportive, as she has throughout my career.

“I have always been aware of the commitment needed to go racing and the focus needed and I just wasn’t prepared to give it any more.”

His international career saw him compete in various international and domestic championships, as well as contesting events including the Suzuka 8 Hour and the races Isle of Man.

Stroud also participated in a number of Australian events, including the 1988 Bathurst race where he finished runner-up to Mick Doohan over 500 kilometres.

He also contested a number of rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship.

Stroud was a long-time supporter of the Suzuki brand, with its New Zealand offices heralding him as a great sportsman and ambassador.