Kawasaki Racing Team rider, Tom Sykes, won the first race at Jerez whilst Rea had to battle for fourth place to gain his first World Championship, in what has been an incredible title campaign, that saw him off the podium for the first time all season. The efforts of the two men plus other Kawasaki pilots combined to mean that Kawasaki also won the Manufacturers Championship for the first time ever.

Rea paid tribute to the two previous Northern Irish World Champions Joey Dunlop and Brian Reid, wearing replica helmets in the colours of the two riders on the slow-down lap, both of whom took their titles back in 1986. After this celebration lap and being thrown high into the air by his pit crew, Rea said, “It feels like a little bit of a weight off my shoulders. I have always believed that we were capable of winning a world championship right after I had stepped off a World Supersport bike onto a Superbike. Now, in this moment, it just feels like my time to be honest.”

Kenan Sofuoglu was again triumphant in the Supersport class to extend his series lead whilst his fellow Turkish rider Toprak Razgatlioglu has already taken the FIM European Superstock 600cc title, on his Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Ninja ZX-6R.

At the final round of the FIM Endurance World Championship at the legendary Bol d’Or, SRC Kawasaki took a hard fought victory after a gruelling 24 hour battle. The three riders Gregory Leblanc, Matthieu Lagrive and Fabien Foret were ecstatic to take victory on French home soil yet again for Gilles Stafler’s hard working team.

At the final round of the FIM Motocross World Championship at the renowned Californian track of Glen Helen, ‘wildcard’ Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Josh Grant took his first ever MX1 GP race win. There was emotion too as Tyla Ratray completed his final GP race and Ryan Villopoto continued his farewell tour to his fans.

Kawasaki Racing Manager, Steve Guttridge, commented: “Bringing Johnny into our Kawasaki Racing Team this year was like a dream come true. He's delivered everything we expected on the track and much more as part of the team. Racing alongside Tom, it is a dream team and we really have to thank them both for their efforts to deliver these good times with Kawasaki. To also take victory at the legendary Bol d’Or and Glen Helen MXGP means this has been a weekend to remember for Kawasaki!”