WorldSBK: why are Rea’s titles not worth those of Fogarty, Corser and Bayliss?

WorldSBK: why are Rea’s titles not worth those of Fogarty, Corser and Bayliss?

Johnny has secured the production-derived title six times, while the King scored four wins, Bayliss three and Corser two. And yet, the Northern Irishman fails to make the front pages

14.12.2020 14:51

He couldn’t be more successful and yet it seems something’s still missing. We’re talking about Johnny Rea, a man who has clocked up six consecutive World Superbike titles and countless achievements.

The Northern Irish rider has won 99 races to date, an outright record in the production-derived series and many more than his illustrious ‘colleagues’, considering that two-time champion Troy Corser scored 33 race wins, three-time champion Troy Bayliss 52, and four-time winner King Carl Fogarty was first across the line on 59 occasions.

The Cannibal has beaten them all – thanks also to the introduction of a third race in 2019, which gives him another chance each weekend – and yet despite his incredible achievements, he fails to make the headlines. And so what is the 33-year old lacking? Absolutely nothing.

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Foggy’s Union Jack flag


In the mid-90s, Great Britain was in need of some great sportspeople. England in particular was keen to shine in disciplines other than football. Motorcycling perhaps, seeing as bikes were selling so well over there at the time.

Culturally, the British motorcycle fan is demanding but also obliging. How is it possible to be both? Well, it is. Barry Sheene’s splendour in 500, for example, highlights the demanding. While the current situation in BSB appears to be a sort of “We’ll settle for what we have and promote it”.

A nice idea, but it’s always better to be winning. Carl Fogarty showed up at the perfect time. Curt, direct, and to the point. As strong as a bulldog taken for a walk by a hooligan. His achievements were extraordinary, his courage clear to see. Like Braveheart, the Englishman was a real leader.

Laid-back Corser


Troy was always smiling. Well, almost always. Especially when he was winning, but also when he was able to ride as he wanted. The word ‘fun’ was important for an Australian who came to Europe by way of the USA.

In the early days, he worked as both a builder and a docker. But he wanted the world, or rather world titles. He didn’t mind leaving Wollongong, in fact he was keen to meet new people and see new places.

In his element at a party, but technically sensitive on the bike. After a day on track, a cold beer and a pretty blonde. Everyone’s friend, no one’s enemy, the Crocodile had us falling in love with him on and off the track, because he never lost that playfulness.

The responsibility of Bayliss


Troy came to WorldSBK by chance they say, but that’s not quite true. He’s often told us that coming to Europe was part of his plan, for an Aussie who had emigrated to England the USA.

When Fogarty got hurt, Bayliss got two opportunities, the second of which he definitely made the most of, at Monza in 2000. Ducati gave the Australian a chance, and Troy felt a real sense of responsibility as a result.

To whom? To everyone: the company, staff, his colleagues, mechanics, sponsors… everyone. Wife Kim and their kids included, so often ‘obliged’ to pack their bags. Troy would always put his heart into his racing, and this is why he won over so many of us, even those who were not Ducati fans.

Rea, the consumate professional, no frills


At a recent photoshoot for an important brand, some of the riders sponsored by said brand were in attendance, their outfits not exactly in keeping with the occasion.

Flipflops, bermudas and not much else in some cases. While the six-time champion had it just right, from his shoes to his cap, from his trousers to his t-shirt. An impeccable Johnny Rea, despite the searing heat that saw his colleagues opt for beachwear.

This is who he is. He might not shout, jump and dance. But he’s extremely serious, meticulous and grounded. Johnny loves his family, he doesn’t care about VIP events, celebrations and hangovers. Rea does what he loves, does it better than anyone else, and no one can deny that he deserves all he has. Despite not hitting the headlines or appearing on the front page.

Translated by Heather Watson

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