After yet another staggering performance in Spain this weekend, Northern Ireland’s Jonathan Rea has been crowned the 2015 World Superbike Champion with rounds in both Qatar and France to spare.
Signalling his intent from as early as February’s opening race in Australia, JR has ignited the 2015 season from start to finish. Following a spectacular 1st/2nd in Australia, the Kawasaki rider went on to claim double victories in Thailand, Aragon, Holland and Italy while achieving a whopping 20 podium finishes in as many races before touching any tarmac at this weekend’s event in Jerez.
Rea’s potential has been clear from as early as 2005 when at the age of 18 he claimed his first ever pole while riding in the British Superbike class with Honda. From that moment forth, the story of Rea’s career has simply grown from strength to strength, year upon year.
Since joining World Superbikes with Hannspree Ten Kate Honda in 2009, it wasn’t long before Rea showed his fans the potential that would eventually lead to this weekend’s World Championship crown. After finishing fifth in his debut season, Rea has been a thorn in the side of every championship hopeful ever since. However, it wasn’t until Rea joined Kawasaki ahead of this season that the pieces of this Championship puzzle started to click together.
Despite Kawasaki winning the Rider’s Championship in the past, with the likes of Scott Russell and Tom Sykes flying the flag for the Japanese company, Rea’s astonishing achievements have played a huge part in securing their first ever Manufacturers title. And while Rea’s solo efforts at Jerez thrust him into a league of his own, Kawasaki can now join the likes of Aprillia, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and of course, Ducati – with the Eat Asian giants becoming the sixth manufacturer to claim victory in the Manufacturers Championship.
Throughout the 2015 calendar, Jonathan Rea’s show-stopping performances have grabbed the headlines time and time again. As a proud sponsor, Carole Nash would like to congratulate JR on what many hope to be the first of many Championship titles. And although two races still remain in this season’s calendar, we’re already looking ahead to what promises to be an unforgettable 2016.
