Arai athlete and six-time World Champion Jonathan ‘Johnny’ Rea has competed as a full-time rider in the FIM Superbike World Championship for the last time this weekend at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.
An Arai rider for more than 20 years, the number #65 has become one of the most successful, well-known, and most respected Arai ambassadors, with a remarkable number of records and unmatched statistics to his name. With 470 race starts, 264 podiums, 119 wins and 104 fastest laps to his name – each more than any other WorldSBK rider in history – Johnny retires as the series’ undisputed king.
An Arai rider for more than 20 years, the number #65 has become one of the most successful, well-known, and most respected Arai ambassadors, with a remarkable number of records and unmatched statistics to his name. With 470 race starts, 264 podiums, 119 wins and 104 fastest laps to his name – each more than any other WorldSBK rider in history – Johnny retires as the series’ undisputed king.
Jonathan Rea & Marcel Ruiter (Arai Helmet Europe B.V.)
Having begun his chapter as an Arai rider two decades ago, most recently competing with the RX-7V FIM Racing #2, Rea’s victories and on-track incidents have embodied the Values of Arai and our Priority for Protection, race weekend after race weekend, for more than 20 years.
In fitting with his record, Arai Helmet is proud to present Johnny with a very special, one-off design by longtime Arai collaborator Aldo Drudi, of Drudi Performance. Presented in satin black and 24 karat gold leaf, this unique design features Roman numerals VI, representing his titles; golden ‘65’ and ‘King Johnny’ text; and a 'crown jewels' motif for an exquisite tribute to an undisputed legend of Superbike racing.
In fitting with his record, Arai Helmet is proud to present Johnny with a very special, one-off design by longtime Arai collaborator Aldo Drudi, of Drudi Performance. Presented in satin black and 24 karat gold leaf, this unique design features Roman numerals VI, representing his titles; golden ‘65’ and ‘King Johnny’ text; and a 'crown jewels' motif for an exquisite tribute to an undisputed legend of Superbike racing.
Arai Helmet extend their sincere thanks to Jonathan for his work as an Arai athlete and ambassador, with CEO Michio Arai leading the tributes:
“It has been a privilege for Arai to support Johnny these many years. Two decades is a long time to compete at the top of any sport, and to have achieved a record-breaking six WorldSBK titles speaks for itself. Jonathan embodies the values of Arai and he will always be a part of the Arai family. From myself and the whole of Arai Helmet, thank you, Jonathan.”
The hashtag #thegREAtest is being circulated for use by the series’ promoter Dorna.
“It has been a privilege for Arai to support Johnny these many years. Two decades is a long time to compete at the top of any sport, and to have achieved a record-breaking six WorldSBK titles speaks for itself. Jonathan embodies the values of Arai and he will always be a part of the Arai family. From myself and the whole of Arai Helmet, thank you, Jonathan.”
The hashtag #thegREAtest is being circulated for use by the series’ promoter Dorna.
Images: Graeme Brown
About Arai Helmet:
For more than seven decades Arai has produced hand-made helmets with a difference that offer supreme protection to riders and drivers around the world.
Created in Japan by dedicated and deeply passionate craftspeople, every Arai helmet is the result of countless improvements made in our never-ending quest for improved head protection.
From the first Arai motorcycle helmet made by our founder Hirotake Arai in 1952 to our latest cutting-edge models, rider protection is what drives us to innovate and create.
The Value of Arai is, and always will be, to protect what is priceless.
For more than seven decades Arai has produced hand-made helmets with a difference that offer supreme protection to riders and drivers around the world.
Created in Japan by dedicated and deeply passionate craftspeople, every Arai helmet is the result of countless improvements made in our never-ending quest for improved head protection.
From the first Arai motorcycle helmet made by our founder Hirotake Arai in 1952 to our latest cutting-edge models, rider protection is what drives us to innovate and create.
The Value of Arai is, and always will be, to protect what is priceless.