Kawasaki’s reigning double champion Jonathan Rea brought Tom Sykes’ record run of World Superbike wins at Donington to an end today (Sunday), as he stormed through the field to become the first rider to defeat the Yorkshireman at the circuit since 2012.
Rea’s win saw yet more history created at Donington, with it being the 100th World Superbike victory for Kawasaki. Sykes completed the perfect day for the Japanese manufacturer with second place, while a combative ride from Welshman Chaz Davies completed another British lock out of the podium.
Rea had started in 10th place on the grid after crashing out of yesterday’s contest, but displayed all the racing prowess of a champion to storm his way through the field to lead the way by the end of the second lap. Sykes too showed impressive skill as he carved his way to second from ninth on the grid.
It was a race full of drama, and suitable reward for the thousands of British fans who flocked to the circuit to enjoy a day of world class action and family entertainment. Local fans had less to cheer with Leon Haslam being tipped out of the race early on after being caught up in an incident between Michael van der Mark and Leandro Mercado, but Alex Lowes salvaged some cheer for the East Midlands crowd with a strong fifth place to add to his first podium finish of the year yesterday.
Donington Park Managing Director Christopher Tate commented: “It’s been a fabulous weekend of entertainment at Donington Park from the World Superbike Championship. We’ve been privileged to welcome so many fans, all of whom have enjoyed some thrilling world class racing action, lots of British success and decent weather. We thank everyone for coming and hope that they enjoyed their experience at Donington Park.”
There are several more exciting events to come at Donington Park this summer, including the Classic Motorcycle Festival on 4-6 August. For more information on Donington events, visit www.donington-park.co.uk.