Six-time WSBK champion Jonathan Rea retires
To fans of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WSBK), the name Jonathan Rea is synonymous with success. He has built a career defined by an impressive tally of 119 victories, 264 podium finishes, and an incredible six world titles.
But as they say, all great things must come to an end, and this year will be Rea’s final season as a pro racer as he announces his retirement from the sport.
“I’ve been thinking about this day for a long time and finally, I’ve decided to step away from full-time racing and retire. This sport has been everything to me. From growing up as a child in Northern Ireland, dreaming of racing bikes, to standing on the top step of the WorldSBK Championship, winning races and Championships. Throughout my career, I’ve only ever had one goal: to win. That mentality defined who I was. I never raced to make up the numbers. I raced to be the best,” said Rea on his social media post announcing his retirement.
Born in 1987 in Northern Ireland, Jonathan Rea’s illustrious racing career began at an early age in which he raced 60cc motocross bikes. Persuaded by the Laverty brothers, Michael and Eugene, Rea began circuit racing in 2003 in the 125cc category.
After cutting his teeth in the British Superbike Championship and the Suzuka 8-hour Endurance Race, Jonathan Rea entered the WSBK during the 2008-2009 season. But it was his move to the Kawasaki Racing Team and the Ninja ZX-10R that marked the beginning of his success. From 2015 to 2020, Rea cemented his legacy as a racing icon, winning a record six consecutive WSBK world titles, a feat that may remain unmatched for years to come.
Rea joined Yamaha Motor Europe’s racing team before the start of the 2024 racing season and was marred with injury and challenging setbacks.
