Pirelli Announces ‘Rider of the Round Award’
Link International will award a set of brand new Pirelli Tyres to a lucky Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 rider at every remaining round of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli in an initiative that rewards riders on their attitude and spirit over a race weekend. Reid Battye (DB Racing, Kawasaki EX 300) was selected as this Round’s winner!
Product Manager for Pirelli Moto Australia, Don Nicholas discussed how Link International decides the winner; “We want to award privateer riders in the Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 classes who represent the brand well, look after the appearance of their bike and perform at a pace beyond the norm. Running Pirelli stickers helps a lot too!” He quipped.
The Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 class was chosen to showcase the award; “The reason we chose to initiate this award in this class is because it is made up of predominately privateer family operated teams. Hopefully the free set of tyres is an incentive for all those teams to keep going and racing at top Australian Championship level. It gives us a great opportunity to work with riders with all sorts of experience levels. To watch them grow and develop as they learn their craft is what it’s all about. We really enjoy the one on one interaction with the teams and riders.” Nicholas said.
Reid Battye was selected as the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 winner, and Nicholas discussed why the young rider was chosen; “We chose Reid Battye this round because he had a bit of adversity in the start of the round, suffering a crash early on. He had some issues with his bike that he had to overcome as well. He runs the Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa on his bike and has done so for a while now. He’s very passionate and enthusiastic about what he does and that’s what Pirelli embodies too.”
Pirelli’s Technical Officer, David Fuller also described the selection process; “Pirelli has been thinking about an initiative such as the ‘Pirelli Rider of the Round Award’ for a while now as we are all about the future of the sport. We don’t want to just promote riders based on points, but reward them for the manner in which they carry themselves, regardless of their race result. We’re looking for a good role model for other kids coming up the ranks to look up to for support and guidance.” He finished.
Battye shared his excitement on the podium as Fuller handed him the set of tyres; “It feels really good and I can’t thank everyone enough, especially Pirelli and Link International. They supply me with the best gear possible so that I can really be the best I can be out there. I am really looking forward to the next round of the ASBK. This round was a fantastic meeting and was run really well by everyone involved, including all the Marshalls, Volunteers and competitors this weekend. I’m really happy to receive this award and it’s a big boost to my confidence.
“It means the world to me. It shows that people are looking out for me and taking notice. I just feel very grateful that Pirelli are looking after me with a brand new set of tyres for my bike that will really help me massively going into the next round. The Pirelli’s will really be a great addition to my performance at Darwin for Round 4!” Battye surmised.
Keep an eye out at future rounds to see which riders get selected as the future winners of the Pirelli Rider of the Round Award.
2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship Presented by Motul Pirelli Calendar:
Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT 7-9 Jul
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD 25-27 Aug
Round 6 SMSP Eastern Creek, NSW 8-10 Sep
Round 7 Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Circuit, VIC 6-8 Oct
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Pictured: Reid Battye with David Fuller at the Winton Podium
