Jonathan Rea’s WorldSBK profession is notable for its successes, which got here in opposition to a number of the best riders within the historical past of the championship, however Rea’s ‘longest struggle’ was in opposition to a rider who had by no means gained a title.
Rea’s profession, which spanned 17 seasons on the prime stage of world superbike racing, has after all spanned eras, from the period of the likes of Troy Bayliss and Max Biaggi, to his personal domination, and eventually to the long-term domination of Alvaro Bautista and Toprak Razgatlioglu.
In his press convention forward of his last race as a full-time rider at Jerez, Jonathan Rea significantly emphasised the power of the WorldSBK subject over time he has raced.
“I am blessed,” he stated.
“I began competing on this championship in 2008 or 2009. I used to be in a position to race with a number of the greatest, Bayliss, Corser, Haga, Spieth, Melandri, Biaggi, Checa, Alvaro (Bautista), Chaz (Davis), Tom Sykes, Guintoli. I used to be actually fortunate to have this chance.”
But when there’s one rider that stands out among the many relaxation, it is Chaz Davis.
When requested who his greatest rival is, Rea stated, “For me it is Chaz (Davis).”
“In fact it was the longest struggle in a few years.
“We had a whole lot of rivals at completely different instances. I feel probably the most troublesome one to win was most likely the championship with Toprak (Razgatlioglu) in 2021. I feel neither Toprak nor I truly needed to win that championship! We threw away factors so many instances.”
“However when you consider the rivalry, simply as rivals, (…) Chaz and I had actually particular years all through 2016, 2017, 2018.”
Davis: “You may’t be taught that…”
Davis himself attended the press convention and paid tribute to Ray.
For the Welshman, it was Ray’s unwavering dedication that set the Northern Irishman aside from different gamers who maybe had related potential in sure features.
“To begin with, thanks for the whole lot you have got given to Superbikes,” Davis stated.
“Personally talking, and for you and the opposite guys competing with you, everyone knows how troublesome it was and all of us suffered rather a lot.
“However on the similar time, the one time your co-workers speak about what they consider you is while you retire or go away. I feel this can be a time when lots of people can open up.
“For me, one of many issues that struck me most about you was that ‘by no means hand over’ perspective. I definitely felt it after I was racing with you, however then what occurred in 2019 and all through your profession (…) even as much as the final weekend – you already know what occurs.
“You have by no means misplaced that. Hats off to you for that. I feel that is what separates you from the remainder of the good riders. What you possibly can’t be taught, it is inside you.”
