HISTOREA IN MAKING

Ulster Superbike racer wins record 3 world titles in a row

It’s hard to describe my emotions.. I am so proud of Jonathan JOHNNY REA MAGNYCOURS YESTERDAY

RACER Jonathan Rea created history at the weekend as he secured a third World Superbike Championship in a row.

Th e 30-year -ol d ri d er was unbeatable in the wet conditions at Magny-cours in France.

Rea – whose win also made it 50 race successes in the championship – become the first competitor to claim three successive crowns.

And it wasn’t long before the tributes started flooding in for the racer from Ballyclare, Co Antrim.

His father Johnny, an Irish Road Racing Champion and Isle of Man TT winner, said: “It’s hard to describe my emotions at the minute.

“I was ner vous but excited before the race and I am so proud of Jonathan and all his achievements. Also how he’s the same son now as he always was.”

Rea dominated this season in sp ectacul ar fashion and has already signed up with the Kawasaki Racing team for 2018 riding the super-fast Ninja ZX -10RR.

His love of racing was inherited from his great grandfather who lived on the famous Ulster Grand P ri x Cl ady circuit whi l e hi s grandad John Rea sponsored Joey Dunlop who went on to win five Formula 1 world Championships.

Following his success at Magny Cours the triple world champion is expected to be given a welldeserved homecoming reception.

Arlene Foster yesterday paid her own tribute to Rea.

The DUP leader said: “It’s not every day you get to rewrite the sporting history books and I want to congratulate Jonathan Rea MBE on his fabulous, historic win, by becoming the first rider to win three successive World Superbike titles.

“We were all behind Jonathan and for him it will be a real achievement to reach that podium finish.

“Yet again Jonathan has put Northern Ireland on the map. We have such a wealth of sporting t talent and to see people from here excelling in the w world of sport, whether it is football, rugby or indeed Superbikes really does bring a sense of pride and inspires a generation.”

Norman Watt, President of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland, added: “Congratulations to Jonathan. What an achievement. Sheer dedication. His family supp port, the Kawasaki Race T Team and sponsors have all contributed to this magnificent accolade.”

And fellow World Superbike star Eugene Laverty added his congratulations. He said: “Jonathan is such a talented rider and I knew that once he got on the Kawasaki he would be a huge title contender.

“He has led the championship from his first race on the bike and has continued to do so for the three years he has been with the team. “A huge achievement and a well-deserved award for his efforts both on and off the track.”