The 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Champion Gregorio Lavilla, Leon Haslam
and the rest of the Airwaves Ducati Team have been celebrating their
season's successes at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the
NEC in Birmingham this week.
The outstanding successes of the Airwaves Ducati riders were recognised at
the show in the British Superbike Championship Awards. For the first time
the awards were open to the public and a huge crowd gathered in the MCN Race
Paddock to see Gregorio Lavilla officially collect his 2005 Bennetts British
Superbike Champions Trophy as well as the Bennetts Rider's rider of the
Year, an award which is voted for by all the rider's in the British
Superbike Championship. A rather surprised Leon Haslam also picked up the
Bennetts Most Improved Rider trophy voted for by BSB fans. With 33 podium
finishes in total, 22 from Lavilla and 11 from Haslam, it has been GSE
Racing's most successful season which is reflected in Gregorio and Leon's
prestigious awards.
On winning the Bennetts Rider's Rider title, Lavilla, said: "This award
rounds off a fantastic season for me and the Airwaves Ducati team. It's a
great championship and I am honoured that the other rider's have named me as
the Bennetts Rider's Rider. Next season's Championship will be good, there
will a lot of competition and tough races but I will be ready for that and
of course I will be trying to win the Championship and this award again."
Following its Championship winning return to British Superbikes in its first
year back GSE Racing know that none of it would have been possible without
its sponsors and the team puts its success down too excellent team work and
outstanding support. The team would like to thank its sponsors, supporting
partners, media and fans alike especially its title sponsor Wrigley's
Airwaves.
Colin Wright commented "It is a team effort, from the riders and mechanics
to the support staff. We are lucky to have had support from our title
sponsor Wrigley's Airwaves and Ducati Corse have supplied excellent
machinery. Technical support from Dunlop and Q8Oils has been invaluable to
the team's success. Also this season would not have been possible without
the support of GSE Group who continue to drive the team's success."
The team would also like to thank Dread, Dainese, Renthal and DID. Barrus
and Malaguti and Teng Tools. Thanks also to DAF, Alphabet Signs, Rage
Designs, Meridian Self Drive, Highland Spring and Vaio Professional.
Team Principal Darrell Healey, added "I'd like to thank the whole team for
pulling together in what was a tremendous result. The team is very grateful
to all their sponsors and know that a season as successful as 2005 would not
have been possible without them."
