Bermagui bike racer Reid Battye will get the chance to race internationally.
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After an invite to race on the World Superbike tour as part of Kawasaki’s Italian outfit, Reid and his family have been frantically racing to raise money for the first installment of entry fees.
“We’re pretty close to that first installment and I am so thrilled to have this opportunity,” Reid beamed.
Reid said he incredibly grateful for support with some private donations to help the cost.
“I really want to thank everyone on the South Coast for getting behind me.”
“The support as well as messages and kind words has been unreal.”
Reid competed as a wild card in the final round of the world series in Jerez, Spain, but the contract was waiting by the time the family got home.
“I didn’t get the result, or really the chance to show what I can do, but the team were pleased with the data,” he explains. “I was so honoured they see potential in me. “As soon as we got the offer I wanted to sign – the prospect of living in Europe for a year and racing in the world championships is mind-blowing.”
He will live with the team boss in Italy and train daily.
Reid said the tracks he would get to race were iconic and steeped in history.
“Some of the biggest motorsport races in history have been held at these circuits,” he says.
So the chance to blast around them on a 300cc Ninja is even more exciting.
“Racing the world championship will be crazy,” Reid beams. “Being part of the paddock [in Jerez] is an experience I will never forget.”