REVAMPED R&G ROOKIES’ TROPHY LAUNCHES FOR 2018!
To celebrate R&G’s fourth consecutive season as an Official Supplier to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, the popular R&G Rookies’ Trophy is being revamped for 2018. Still open to all those competing in their first full season in their respective class, now the top two from each championship category at the end of the year will be put to a panel of industry experts who’ll then choose the top three to win a prize fund from R&G, Pirelli and LS2 crash helmets.
This year looks set to be a battle of the rookies with Sylvain Barrier, Kyle Ryde, Gino Rea, Mason Law, Carl Phillips and Tarran Mackenzie making their debut in the blue-riband Superbike class. Elsewhere, Tom Oliver steps up to the Dickies British Supersport Championship whilst Andy Reid and 2017 Rookies’ Champion Collier will be competing in their first full seasons in the Pirelli Superstock 1000 class.
Open to competitors who are riding their first full season in their respective class, now the top two rookie riders from each Championship category after the final round at Brands Hatch in October will go in front of a panel of industry experts who’ll choose the top three overall. The panel will include Simon Hughes from R&G, BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs, Former racer Steve Plater as well as representatives from Pirelli and LS2 crash helmets. The top three will be announced onstage at Motorcycle Live with the overall winner receiving £750 cash as well as £500 of product support from R&G, two sets of race tyres from Pirelli and an Arrow C Evo Helmet Carbon from LS2. Second place will receive £500 of product support from R&G, one front and two rear tyres from Pirelli and an LS2 Arrow Evo Helmet Graphic whilst third place will receive £250 R&G product support, one set of Pirelli race tyres and an LS2 Arrow Evo Helmet Mono.
In addition to the overall prize, Eurosport presenter James Whitham will be choosing a rider at each round as his 'Rookie of the 
Meeting', which will be based upon performance, conduct and effort over the course of the three days. Each winner will receive a set of R&G Aero Knee Sliders, which will be presented to the rider at the following meeting.
Alongside the Trophy, as an Official Supplier to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, R&G will have a larger presence in the paddock with its brand new Paddock Support unit, circuit branding and scrutineering essentials.
BSB Series Director, Stuart Higgs, commented: "The 2018 R&G Rookies’ Trophy looks set to be a very tough competition with a number of top names making their debut in new championship classes. It will be interesting to see how these riders develop over the season and who will make the shortlist at the end of the year.”
R&G UK Sales Manager Alan Garrett added “Now entering its fourth season, the R&G Rookies’ Trophy will be revamped for 2018, making it easier for fans and media to follow. Each year we’ve been able to reward rookie riders from across the paddock and with increased support from R&G, Pirelli and LS2 the top three at the end of this season will receive a bundle of goodies that will really help them progress their career even further.”