CHAMPION KIYONARI CROWNED AT BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE AWARDS CEREMONY AT NEC BIKE SHOW

[Posted 30.11.07]

The International Motorcycle and Scooter Show played host to a star-packed Bennetts British Superbike Awards today as Ryuichi Kiyonari was crowned the 2007 BSB Champion in front of thousands of cheering fans. The 25 year-old HM Plant Honda rider was presented with his trophy on the Blackhorse Stage at the Birmingham NEC, capping off an incredible season which saw him seal his second consecutive title on the final round of a thrilling season.
 
Alongside the Japanese Champion, a galaxy of stars appeared from across the British Superbike series to receive their trophies and look back on an incredible season. Crowd favourite, Airwaves Ducati rider Leon Haslam, who finished third in this year's Championship, was on hand to delight his travelling support. However, injury to runner-up Jonathan Rea prevented him from attending. Thousands of race fans made the pilgrimage up to the NEC Bike Show in Birmingham to see their heroes in the flesh and watch the highlights of a thrilling season on the giant screen. The awards were also an opportunity to pay tribute to riders Guy Sanders and Ollie Bridewell who tragically lost their lives on the track this season.
 
Elsewhere Maxxis British Supersport Champion Michael Laverty accepted his trophy, and was joined on stage by runner-up Ian Lowry and third placed Dennis Hobbs. Centurion Honda rider James Westmoreland was crowned winner of the British Supersport Cup, while British 125GP winner Luke Jones received his prize alongside Dorna Academy Cup winner Robbie Stewart. The winner of the fifth and final running of the Virgin Media Cup, BJ Toal, received a massive ovation and now looks ahead to a ride in next year's British Supersport Championship with Yamaha. Finally Glen Richards was presented with his trophy for the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Championship, alongside third placed Steve Brogan, while winner of the Superstock Cup, Norman Brunton, took to the stage with runner-up Dean Johnson.
 
Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of MCIE, organisers of the NEC Bike Show, commented:
"The BSB Awards have again proved to be an enormous crowd puller for the Show and a great bonus for visitors during the week. Today was a really exciting event with thousands of race fans packing out the Arai Entertainment Zone. The line-up of race stars in attendance was phenomenal and it is fantastic that the British Superbike Championship chose our show as the venue for such a glittering end of season finale."