BMW Motorrad Race Trophy: Markus Reiterberger wins the 2017 edition

BMW Motorrad Race Trophy - AND Markus Reiterberger the winner of the 2017 edition of BMW Motorrad Race Trophy. The German thus graduated for the second time in his career as the best private driver in the world, among all those of the "sporting family" BMW Motorrad, achieving the maximum possible score this season, i.e. 500 points. The Belgian took second place Sébastien Le Grelle, while in third position we find the winner of the last edition: the Canadian Jordan Szoke.

This year, BMW Motorrad Motorsport had a global prize pool of 100.000 euros up for grabs, which was distributed among the thirty best-placed participants. Various bonuses were also awarded in different categories, such as to the nine drivers and teams who won the title in their respective series, or to the “Best BMW Rider in Class” and the “Best Newcomer”. The presentation ceremony for the best participants and teams took place on Friday in Berlin (Germany) at the BMW Motorrad factory. Ranking points in the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy are awarded using a complex system. A driver can score a maximum of 500 points, regardless of the number of races he takes part in in his respective championship. The total score is made up of the points earned in each individual race, added to the bonus points, such as those awarded for pole positions or for winning the title.

A clear success that Reiterberger commented thus: “2017 was a great season for me and victory in the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy is the best way to end it. I am very proud to have won this trophy for the second time in my career. Even more so since I also achieved the maximum score. The number of participants grows every year and the competition is now very fierce, made up of several very strong and successful BMW drivers, competing in a wide range of championships. Believe me: it is not at all easy to keep up with such competition within the BMW family. I'm happy to think back to the season that just ended. Our motto is: 'Only teamwork makes dreams come true'. We proved it. We are a small team, but very united and efficient. The engineers from BMW Motorrad Motorsport, who collaborate with us and support us very effectively, are also an integral part of this team. We have achieved many successes and achieved many satisfactions together this year. Now, our goal is to continue this momentum next year, in the FIM Superstock 1000 European Championship".

In the 2017 edition, Reiterberger achieved the exceptional feat of achieving the maximum score of 500 points. The German driver, who raced in the International German Championship (IDM), took all the pole positions and won 13 races out of 14, obviously winning the championship title well in advance, aboard his BMW S 1000 RR, fielded by Van Zon-Remeha-BMW Superbike Team. He discarded his "worst" result, namely second place in the first race of the season, held at the Nürburgring (Germany). Reiterberger received €15.000 in prize money for his victory in the Race Trophy. He and his team also received various bonuses for winning the IDM title (see below for details).