Jonathan Rea has announced his retirement from full-time racing from the end of this season ' s WSBK series. The tenacious Northern Irish rider leaves the WSBK paddock with an unparalleled record of 119 race victories, 264 podiums, 44 pole positions, 104 fastest laps and six WSBK titles. That record sets a high bar for anyone to even contemplate matching. Rea is simply the most successful WSBK rider of his era and it makes him the most successful WSBK rider of any era. His legacy may never be bettered. Competing over a period of seventeen years, his career has been both amazing and, at times, frustrating. Racing Yamahas for the past two years, injury and just plain bad luck have joined forces to make those last two seasons tough for the ever-smiling‘ Jonny Rea’.“ After an unforgettable journey in WorldSBK, I’ ve made the decision to step away from full time racing at the end of this season. It’ s been an incredible ride, full of highs, challenges, and memories that will stay with me forever. I want to thank Yamaha for the opportunity to write this final chapter with them, and for their support throughout the past two seasons. Most of all, I’ m grateful to the fans, my family, and