LAVILLA CLAIMS CLEAN SWEEP IN FIRST EVER BENNETTS RIDER’S RIDER AWARD
04 November 2005 - Bennetts British Superbike

Bennetts British Superbike Champion, Gregorio Lavilla, has won the inaugural ‘Bennetts BSB Rider’s Rider Award’, claiming every vote from his peers for a title winning season on unknown circuits

Bennetts, the title sponsor of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and the UK’s number one for motorcycle insurance, asked riders to nominate their choice for the best rider from this season, whilst also polling them on, amongst other things, their highlight of the season, favourite circuits and most improved rider.

Lavilla claimed every vote for the top award with his fellow riders praising his ability to compete and win on circuits he had never visited before.

James Haydon, the man Lavilla replaced at Airwaves Ducati at the beginning of the season, said: “Lavilla has got to be the Rider’s Rider. He’s ridden well all season and done a good job despite not knowing the tracks.”

Former champion, John Reynolds, agreed with his Rizla Suzuki team-mate, saying: “Lavilla has done an awesome job on tracks he doesn’t know.” Hawk Kawasaki’s Dean Thomas, also heaped praise on the unstoppable Spaniard, commenting: “Lavilla has come and dominated on circuits he has never seen before. It’s something no other rider has done before, including Bayliss.”

On winning the Bennetts Rider’s Rider title, Lavilla, said: “This award rounds off a fantastic season for me and the Airwaves Ducati team. It’s a privilege to be part of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and compete against some excellent riders. For them to name me as the Bennetts Rider’s Rider is a great honour.”

Kal Samra, Director of Bennetts, added: “We are delighted to be presenting Gregorio with the Bennetts Rider’s Rider Award. Not only does this award give the riders the opportunity to have their say on the Championship but it also gives fans a special glimpse into the world of the riders and how they saw the Bennetts British Superbike Championship from the track.”

Lavilla chose round 12 at Donington as his highlight of the season, when a double victory put him in pole position for the title. Lavilla, said “It’s difficult to pick one highlight. The first race was good because it was a surprise to be racing, as I had started the season as a replacement rider and everything was exciting. But it has to be the race at Donington because it was such a good result for me.”

Lavilla was presented with his Bennetts Rider’s Rider award by Bennetts Director Kal Samra at the Bennetts BSB Awards at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC yesterday (1st November).

The riders voted Tommy Hill as the most improved rider of the season, in a close run competition.

Proving that even the most fearless riders have moments of doubt, each rider picked out their scariest moment of the season. Crashes held the most moments of fear for riders and Leon Haslam admitted he thought his season was about to come tumbling down at round 1 at Brands Hatch, when a highside left him fearing a broken wrist.

Vivaldi rider Scott Smart claimed having his chest dry shaved by the nurses in the paddock was the scariest moment of his season. “It was because I needed strapping at Oulton,” he explained. “The fact that I felt the bone move apart again and start moving about in the practice was nothing in comparison.”

The riders also voted on their favourite circuits, corners and overtaking points from the 2005 Bennetts BSB Championship.

Thruxton was the track most riders picked out as the best for all round racing, for it’s high speed and close racing. Donington, Brands Hatch and Oulton Park came joined second for similar reasons, with the riders preferring circuits that offer little chance for breaking away from the pack and plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Donington’s long and wide track made it a clear winner of the riders favourite circuit for overtaking, whilst the Moto GP circuit also hosted the riders favourite corners of Craner and the Old Hairpin.

The riders picked Brands Hatch as the best circuit for atmosphere. Lavilla labelled the atmosphere at the opening round as “unbelievable”. Cadwell Park came a close second with the Bank holiday meeting creating big crowds and an electric atmosphere.

Many of the riders also revealed some unusual pre-race superstitions. An equal number refused to comment or tried to steer clear of any race day rituals, however, James Haydon admitted to putting on his left glove and left boot first and always getting on the left side of the bike, whilst Haslam likes to take a nap before racing to clear his mind.

Results:

Bennetts British Superbike Championship Rider’s Rider

1. Gregorio Lavilla

Bennetts British Superbike Championship Rider’s Most Improved Rider

1. Tommy Hill

2. Leon Haslam

Circuits

Best for all round racing

Thruxton
Donington/Brands Hatch/Oulton Park
Snetterton

Best for overtaking.

1.Donington
Brands/Thruxton/Oulton/Snetterton/Silverstone

Best for corners

Donington
Brands
Oulton Park

Best for atmosphere

Brands Hatch
Cadwell
Mallory

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