World Superbikes: Jonathan Rea aiming to beat season points record

Jonathan Rea became the first rider to retain the World Superbikes title three years runningThe Kawasaki rider, who last month became the first man to win the crown three years running, is bidding to beat the record total of 552 points scored in a season by Colin Edwards.

The Texan set the target in his title winning 2002 campaign.

But now Rea, who is on 506 points, knows that to better it he has to win tonight’s race (FRI) and then complete the double tomorrow.

“I want to finish well and the night time race adds a bit of excitement between the riders and the teams,” he said.

“I want to keep an eye on the long game and finish the season strong but whatever happens I think we can be satisfied with the job this year.”

He has won 14 races so far, and is in the mood for more, after a typically hard working time in free practice in which he dictated terms, with a string of consistently fast laps.

Jonathan Rea has his sights on Colin Edward’s points record

Rea is focussed on winning both the races and the record, and he set the pace with a scorching time of 1m 57.666secs, to be 0.259secs up on Yamaha’s Alex Lowes.

But, the real scrap in these races centres on Rea’s team-mate Tom Sykes and Ducati’s Chaz Davies as they dispute the outcome of the runner-up spot in the standings.

They are level pegging on 363 points and while Davies has a strong pedigree at the circuit, winning both races last year, Sykes, third fastest had the edge in practice, though by only 0.171secs.

“Right now we are working to get that second place in the standings to make it a Kawasaki 1-2 like last season,” said Sykes.

Davies remains confident: “We didn’t seize the second place last year because we headed into this round trailing by a few points but this time we are level so it will be exciting.

“We are looking forward to the battle and are ready to put up a fight – we’re keen to finish the year on a high note.”

Source: Daily Star. Image: Crash.net