Reigning World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea has been voted Motorcyclist of the Year at the Cornmarket Awards and handed the Joey Dunlop Trophy.
The 28 year old Kawasaki rider, from Ballyclare collected the iconic yellow helmet trophy, named in honour of his idol and inspiration in a poll decided by public vote.
He told a full house audience of local, national and international bike stars and their fans: “I am proud and humbled to return to Northern Ireland as World Champion - it was always my ambition. Joey was always a hero of mine and to be voted Irish Motorcyclist of the Year for a third time by the general public is mega.”
A motorcycle racing awards bash is not complete without a Dunlop on the podium and last night Ballymoney’s William Dunlop lifted the Belleek National Road Racer of the Year.
British 1000cc Superstock champion, 21 year old Josh Elliott, from Ballinamallard won the Belfast Telegraph award for the Best rider on UK and Irish Circuits in 2015.
Standing ovations greeted two posthumous awards - Special Recognition for Flying Doctor John Hinds who lost his life following an accident at Skerries last year and Hall of Fame entrant, the late Owen McNally, fatally injured at the 1999 Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod.
Awards list:
Irish Motorcyclist of the Year (Joey Dunlop Trophy) - Jonathan Rea (general public vote)
Short Circuit Rider of the Year - Jonathan Rea
International Road Racer of the Year - Ian Hutchinson
National Road Racer of the Year - William Dunlop
Best Irish rider on UK and Irish Short Circuits - Josh Elliott
Young Rider of the Year - Kevin Keyes (second in KTM British Junior Cup)
Race of the Year - Andy Reid winning his first Supersport race at Oulton Park (voted for via Twitter from four nominees right up until shortly before being announced)
Outstanding Achievement Award - Lee Johnston for raising £17,000 through his f13k cancer campaign
Special Recognition Award - Dr John Hinds (received on his partner's behalf by the Laverty brothers Michael and John)
Hall of Fame Award - Owen McNally who lost his life in an accident during the 1999 Ulster Grand Prix with a bright future ahead of him
Team of the Year - Hitachi KTM UK run by Roger Magee
All awards except motorcyclist of year and race of the year decided by an expert panel of judges chaired by former British 250cc Champion Adrian Coates that included Jeremy McWilliams, Phillip McCallen, Brian Reid and Gordon Crockard.
