Jonathan Rea supports bushfire relief effort ahead of WSBK opener

Ahead of the Superbike World Championship opener at Phillip Island this week, the world’s best riders, including five-time champion, Jonathan Rea, have thrown their support behind a bushfire relief charity auction.

The WorldSBK auction is organised through CharityStars and includes a selection of rider and team merchandise and memorabilia, as well as some exclusive fan experiences. At the recent tests at Jerez and Portimao, the championships riders and teams have sourced riding gear and money-can’t-buy team apparel to be auctioned.

All funds raised from the auction will go towards BlazeAid, a volunteer-based set-up working alongside rural families and individuals impacted by fires and floods. Since its foundation in 200, the organisation has worked with over 20,000 volunteers in tackling bushfires.

Reigning and five-time world champion, Jonathan Rea, has donated riding gear to the auction and has a personal connection to the bushfire crisis. The Northern Ireland native and his Australian-born wife, Tatia, have a house in Wandiligong, just near Bright. The area was under significant threat from the fires, and the Rea’s watched from afar as farms and communities in the area were severely affected by the disaster.

“During the height of the fire, it got within 5km of the house and Tatia’s parents were told to leave,” explained Rea. “We were at home and keeping a constant eye on the emergency apps. In the end, we were very fortunate.”

Tatia spent her childhood holidaying in the area and bought land when she was 20. Eventually she and Rea built a house on the land. “It’s an awesome place, especially for training, with all the mountains around,” said Rea. “I like cycling and I’ve spent loads of summers up at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo. It’s gone from a sleepy town to cool with loads of eateries and cafes.”

“It’s great that the WorldSBK paddock is doing something, as it’d be easy to come here and then move on,” he said. “Everyone has been sensational with their support.”

The WSBK season opener takes place Feb 28-Mar 1 at the Island, where Rea will begin his quest for a sixth world title. “Phillip Island is the closest thing to a home round for me, so I always enjoy racing there,” he said. “There is always expectation and nervous energy ahead of a new season, but it’s important I leave Australia healthy and with a platform for the rest of the year.”

You can find full details on the auction here. Be quick though, the auction ends on March 3, 2020.