The devastating Australian bushfires early this year struck a very personal note for five-time Superbikes world champion Jonathan Rea.
Ahead of the season-opening round of the Superbike world championship at Phillip Island on February 28-March 1, the paddock has united to stage a charity auction to help bushfire victims.
British superstar Rea has donated gloves and boots for the auction, with all funds raised going to BlazeAid, a volunteer-based organisation which works alongside rural families and individuals impacted by fires and floods.
The family of Rea and his Australian wife Tatia own a house just out of Bright in north-east Victoria, and for three weeks they watched from afar as the fires threatened their home.
"During the height of the fire, it got to within five kilometres of the house and Tatia's parents were told to leave," Rea said on Tuesday.
"We were at home and keeping a constant eye on the emergency apps, and in the end we were very fortunate.
"It's great the WorldSBK paddock is doing something, as it'd be easy to come here and then move on.
"Everyone has been sensational with their support."
Kawasaki pilot Rea is now the most successful WorldSBK rider of all time, topping all the key metrics: titles won (five), number of race wins (88), podiums (168) and fastest laps (67).
"Phillip Island is the closest thing to a home round for me, so I always enjoy racing there," said the 33-year-old Northern Irishman.
"There's always expectation and nervous energy ahead of a new season, but I'm trying to take a more mature approach in 2020."
Australian Associated Press
